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Oahu Lovers #1
Brave for You
Less than a year after moving to Hawaii, construction foreman Nate Ellison’s wife leaves him and their infant son for another man. Months into single-fatherhood, Nate meets Andrew “An” Hoang and is slowly drawn into An’s life. Through An’s friendship, he finds himself finally enjoying his new home in paradise.
An Hoang hasn’t had a real relationship in years. With his pediatrics practice and a niece to care for on his days off, he doesn’t have the headspace for more than a simple roll in the sack. But when he meets Nate—who just happens to be the gorgeous construction worker he encountered in the lobby of his apartment building—something about Nate makes it impossible for him not to care. When Nate needs An’s help with his son, An doesn’t refuse.
What happens when Nate’s past and An’s old-fashioned parents interfere just as the two men begin to fall for each other? Will they find the means to be brave and give their love a chance to flourish?
A sweet and steamy slow burn M/M romance set in Hawaii.
This story is a HEA story with NO cliffhangers. Subsequent books in the series will feature new main characters.
An Hoang hasn’t had a real relationship in years. With his pediatrics practice and a niece to care for on his days off, he doesn’t have the headspace for more than a simple roll in the sack. But when he meets Nate—who just happens to be the gorgeous construction worker he encountered in the lobby of his apartment building—something about Nate makes it impossible for him not to care. When Nate needs An’s help with his son, An doesn’t refuse.
What happens when Nate’s past and An’s old-fashioned parents interfere just as the two men begin to fall for each other? Will they find the means to be brave and give their love a chance to flourish?
A sweet and steamy slow burn M/M romance set in Hawaii.
This story is a HEA story with NO cliffhangers. Subsequent books in the series will feature new main characters.
306 pages, ebook
First published July 27, 2018
196 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Lacy
19 books329 followersCrystal Lacy lives with her loving family in Hawaii, where it is always either drizzling or sunny and never snows—which is a shame, because she prefers being cold to being damp and hot unless it’s for Very Good Reasons. She writes queer romance, mainly M/M, but also some F/F. She has aspirations to one day write a YA novel about cats.
Crystal is a long-time fangirl and writes slash fanfiction for the Untamed/CQL and NBC Hannibal fandoms under the name crystalusagi. She has a deep love for fandom culture, and can be frequently spotted on Twitter and Tumblr reblogging pretty fan art.
Join her readers' group on FB for sneak peeks, extras, and the chance to grab advanced reader copies at https://facebook.com/groups/lacybits
Subscribe to her newsletter at crystal-lacy.com/subscribe for monthly book giveaways, recs, news, and more!
Crystal is a long-time fangirl and writes slash fanfiction for the Untamed/CQL and NBC Hannibal fandoms under the name crystalusagi. She has a deep love for fandom culture, and can be frequently spotted on Twitter and Tumblr reblogging pretty fan art.
Join her readers' group on FB for sneak peeks, extras, and the chance to grab advanced reader copies at https://facebook.com/groups/lacybits
Subscribe to her newsletter at crystal-lacy.com/subscribe for monthly book giveaways, recs, news, and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
September 6, 2018
This was a fun story and I liked both MC's quite a lot.
I also enjoyed the on-page presence of the 2 kids, as they were present and pretty realistic, but didn't completely take over the story.
The story was fairly descriptive, so the book could've probably been shortened down a bit, but the pacing was decent, so I didn't really mind.
I also found the local flavor of the story interesting, as I've never been to Hawaii myself, so hearing about aspects of life there from an author who actually lives there was worth a read.
The one thing that I wasn't a huge fan of was "The Big Separation" toward the end, which was brought about by the reappearance of, duh duh duh, "The Wife "
But in and of itself, I had zero problem with the wife coming back, which trust, was a total shock to me. Instead, it was an inconsiderate, but unintentional ignoring of "The Boyfriend's" feelings here that caused all of the ensuing drama.
I just found it hard to believe that "The Husband", who'd been nothing but overly-considerate and caring up to that point, would simply 'forget' to loop "The Boyfriend" in on what was going on, so that felt very out of character and less believable for me.
In the grand scheme of things, though, it all worked out well in the end and the MC's got their hard-fought HEA, so I'd rate the book at around 3.5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy mild-mannered MC's and kids in their stories. : )
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February 12, 2020
After 50% mark i started skimming to the end.
The story was ok, it is clearly me not the book.
I just couldn't feel the connection. Then the kids, i have no problem with kids in books but kid-adults is a no-no for me. Let kids be kids, not the voice of reasoning for adults.
We can't love them all. 🤷♀️
The story was ok, it is clearly me not the book.
I just couldn't feel the connection. Then the kids, i have no problem with kids in books but kid-adults is a no-no for me. Let kids be kids, not the voice of reasoning for adults.
We can't love them all. 🤷♀️
October 1, 2018
This had so much potential for me, but a few things made me grip my Kindle too tightly and had my eyes going like fidget spinners.
First of all: the shortening (I googled it, apparently that IS how you spell it!;-) of Andrew's name to An had me sort of frustrated.
The name is so close to 'and' that I had to re-read quite a few sentences. I've never seen Andrew shortened like that before, and it threw me off at times.
Second of all: Olivia; how she left, how she came back and how Nate decided that 'it was all his fault!'
If Neil was MY child I would be more than a little wary to leave him with the woman who left him when he was 3 months old, and sent an explanation via text.
If I hadn't seen the other parent for more than 6 months, they left with no word and didn't keep in contact at all, I would not leave MY child with this flaky person and especially not after two hours and one half-hearted conversation.
Also I would not be as quick as Nate to decide, that the reason the woman left, was definitely MY fault.
Say whaaaaaaaat?
Naaaah, fuck this shit.
Olivia was suffering from PPD, and of course that is not HER fault, but this was... Not okay either.
In general the family dynamics in this had me rolling my eyes and hating this more and more. This book left me with this weird notion that you should let people shit all over you, because you're related by blood somehow and for the love of dog, you're not supposed to love yourself!
I had hope when Freddie spoke up, but that hope was squashed when the whole family reunited at the hospital.
We have Dai (the 4-5 year old) acting like a dramaqueen of the n'th proportion.
I sort of liked her until this. She is one of those child characters that acts older than her age and is this weird conscience f0r the MCs at times.
But the scene at the hospital where she goes down on her knees and begs Andrew's parents to forgive (??????) Andrew and Nate for being a couple, and when Nate goes down on his knees and begs with her, had me RAGING!
Why do authors persist in peddling this shit, that the people whom are supposed to love you unconditionally, suddenly are allowed to set up conditions?!?
It wasn't the parents interested in having a relationship with Andrew and Nate, it was Andrew that was interested in continuing being miserable and taking all the shit his parents threw at them, with no love for himself. And Nate gobbled it right up.
Seriously:
No. NO, bad author!!!
Why would you not be a spokesperson for 'found family' and unconditional love with NO regulations and bylaws, instead?
Why not preach self-love instead of 'take all the condemnation they give', because they are your parents:
But why would you let yourself be in that?
First of all: the shortening (I googled it, apparently that IS how you spell it!;-) of Andrew's name to An had me sort of frustrated.
The name is so close to 'and' that I had to re-read quite a few sentences. I've never seen Andrew shortened like that before, and it threw me off at times.
Second of all: Olivia; how she left, how she came back and how Nate decided that 'it was all his fault!'
If Neil was MY child I would be more than a little wary to leave him with the woman who left him when he was 3 months old, and sent an explanation via text.
If I hadn't seen the other parent for more than 6 months, they left with no word and didn't keep in contact at all, I would not leave MY child with this flaky person and especially not after two hours and one half-hearted conversation.
Also I would not be as quick as Nate to decide, that the reason the woman left, was definitely MY fault.
“I couldn’t get myself under control. You were working so many hours. You were never around—”
“—I was doing it for us. For our family.” Nate realized that he was angry, but not at Olivia. He was angry at himself. He’d done this. He’d always known he was the one who’d fucked things up, and now he had confirmation.
Say whaaaaaaaat?
Naaaah, fuck this shit.
Olivia was suffering from PPD, and of course that is not HER fault, but this was... Not okay either.
In general the family dynamics in this had me rolling my eyes and hating this more and more. This book left me with this weird notion that you should let people shit all over you, because you're related by blood somehow and for the love of dog, you're not supposed to love yourself!
I had hope when Freddie spoke up, but that hope was squashed when the whole family reunited at the hospital.
We have Dai (the 4-5 year old) acting like a dramaqueen of the n'th proportion.
I sort of liked her until this. She is one of those child characters that acts older than her age and is this weird conscience f0r the MCs at times.
But the scene at the hospital where she goes down on her knees and begs Andrew's parents to forgive (??????) Andrew and Nate for being a couple, and when Nate goes down on his knees and begs with her, had me RAGING!
Why do authors persist in peddling this shit, that the people whom are supposed to love you unconditionally, suddenly are allowed to set up conditions?!?
It wasn't the parents interested in having a relationship with Andrew and Nate, it was Andrew that was interested in continuing being miserable and taking all the shit his parents threw at them, with no love for himself. And Nate gobbled it right up.
Seriously:
It still felt weird to have one-on-one conversations with An’s mom, even after half a year of friendly relations, but Nate would take whatever acceptance he could get from An’s parents—even if all he could get was advice on how to raise his own child.
No. NO, bad author!!!
Why would you not be a spokesperson for 'found family' and unconditional love with NO regulations and bylaws, instead?
Why not preach self-love instead of 'take all the condemnation they give', because they are your parents:
Even when I had lovers who lasted more than a week or two, I didn’t bring them around. It wasn’t that I hid them. I thought it wouldn't be fair to subject them to that kind of disapproval. So I didn’t.
But why would you let yourself be in that?
January 16, 2019
Sometimes, you just want to enjoy a low-angst, all good feels, slow-burn, sweet romance without being under an angst umbrella with a pack of Kleenex. 😁 I mean I love that bittersweet angst and heart wrenching emotional stuff but occasionally, we all need a break from books that make us cry. 😌 And so, this friends to lovers, GFY book is my version of Hawaii vacation. 😉 And Iggy Toma was my hunky boyfriend during this vacation. 😂👏
Nate is clueless about how to normally function his life with his infant son while working long hours at his job after being abruptly left by his wife. Cue and enter Doctor Andrew Hoang, Nate’s new savior and hottie neighbor who happens to be a pediatrician. 😉 Nate doesn’t know where his wife is or whether she will ever come back. And An is temptation incarnate, sweet, considerate, understanding and way too sexy for Nate’s liking. 🔥 While being a seemingly perfect man, An has his own problems too. While dealing with his homophobic parents and helping his sister singlehandedly raise a daughter, pining for his not so straight neighbor who’s still married to a runaway wife is definitely not a good idea. 🙂 But An has been following rules for all his life. And Nate is impossible to resist with that shy and charming smile and down to earth personality. Plus, he loves Neal, Nate’s infant son who’s very attached to An. After mutually deciding being friends is better than being something more, both An and Nate finds that it is impossible not to want something more from each other. 😌 It’s time to man up and chase the man you are dying to be with. And a HEA will be there for one who relentlessly pursue their dreams. Nate and An just need to be life in each other and give this relationship a shot. 😉
It was slow-burn, sweet, romantic and just a bit tiny angsty at the end before their epic HEA. I have always loved interracial couples and I do believe authors need to venture more into this sub-genre. So kudos to Crystal Lacy to pulling off a lovely interracial love story. 👏 And did I say there’s popping that butt cherry of our virgin Nate? 😁 That was one hot scene! 🔥 I liked that there are very believable and lovely secondary characters in the story. I really loved the presence of two kids in the story and MCs’ sisters. It makes the story really realistic. Overall, enjoyable, fun and heartwarming. 😊 And as always, Iggy Toma did a stellar job narrating this story. Highly recommended to anyone who are looking for low-angst GFY stories with friends to lovers trope. 😌
4.5 a paradise for two with babies stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance- 4.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Nate is clueless about how to normally function his life with his infant son while working long hours at his job after being abruptly left by his wife. Cue and enter Doctor Andrew Hoang, Nate’s new savior and hottie neighbor who happens to be a pediatrician. 😉 Nate doesn’t know where his wife is or whether she will ever come back. And An is temptation incarnate, sweet, considerate, understanding and way too sexy for Nate’s liking. 🔥 While being a seemingly perfect man, An has his own problems too. While dealing with his homophobic parents and helping his sister singlehandedly raise a daughter, pining for his not so straight neighbor who’s still married to a runaway wife is definitely not a good idea. 🙂 But An has been following rules for all his life. And Nate is impossible to resist with that shy and charming smile and down to earth personality. Plus, he loves Neal, Nate’s infant son who’s very attached to An. After mutually deciding being friends is better than being something more, both An and Nate finds that it is impossible not to want something more from each other. 😌 It’s time to man up and chase the man you are dying to be with. And a HEA will be there for one who relentlessly pursue their dreams. Nate and An just need to be life in each other and give this relationship a shot. 😉
It was slow-burn, sweet, romantic and just a bit tiny angsty at the end before their epic HEA. I have always loved interracial couples and I do believe authors need to venture more into this sub-genre. So kudos to Crystal Lacy to pulling off a lovely interracial love story. 👏 And did I say there’s popping that butt cherry of our virgin Nate? 😁 That was one hot scene! 🔥 I liked that there are very believable and lovely secondary characters in the story. I really loved the presence of two kids in the story and MCs’ sisters. It makes the story really realistic. Overall, enjoyable, fun and heartwarming. 😊 And as always, Iggy Toma did a stellar job narrating this story. Highly recommended to anyone who are looking for low-angst GFY stories with friends to lovers trope. 😌
4.5 a paradise for two with babies stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance- 4.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
July 10, 2018
This was a nice surprise, a well crafted romance with an interesting geographical setting in Hawaii and an interracial pairing with a dash of Vietnamese culture to give flavour.
It's fairly slow burn, which makes sense given the premise, and I loved the way the culture of An's Vietnamese heritage was so neatly integrated into his actions as he got to know his neighbour Nate more.
An's niece Dai was a wee firecracker, only occasionally did I feel she acted older than her supposed age, the majority of the time she was a typical child interested in winding her uncle round her finger.
The secondary characters were also integral to the narrative and I adored Nate's sister and her girlfriend, as well as An's business partner and friend Freddie.
It was also a nice change to have Nate's missing wife not turn out to be a witch and I liked that the subject of PPD (post-partum depression) was addressed with sympathy and understanding.
There's a lovely grovel/make-up scene and pretty sweet epilogue to draw things to a conclusion in a way which felt natural too.
Steam levels are medium but it does have lots of exploration and first times as Nate fully embraces his bisexuality and they were nicely crafted.
This is my first book from this author and ill be keeping an eye out for more.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It's fairly slow burn, which makes sense given the premise, and I loved the way the culture of An's Vietnamese heritage was so neatly integrated into his actions as he got to know his neighbour Nate more.
An's niece Dai was a wee firecracker, only occasionally did I feel she acted older than her supposed age, the majority of the time she was a typical child interested in winding her uncle round her finger.
The secondary characters were also integral to the narrative and I adored Nate's sister and her girlfriend, as well as An's business partner and friend Freddie.
It was also a nice change to have Nate's missing wife not turn out to be a witch and I liked that the subject of PPD (post-partum depression) was addressed with sympathy and understanding.
There's a lovely grovel/make-up scene and pretty sweet epilogue to draw things to a conclusion in a way which felt natural too.
Steam levels are medium but it does have lots of exploration and first times as Nate fully embraces his bisexuality and they were nicely crafted.
This is my first book from this author and ill be keeping an eye out for more.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 2, 2019
Audio - 5 stars
Story 4 stars
Story 4 stars
December 11, 2019
The Story: 3.5 Pants Off
Very Cute!
The Narration: 4.5 Pants Off
Iggy Toma is legit!
March 15, 2021
A 💜 N
The number 1 question I have at the end of this is who does Neil end up living with? The author left that detail out. It better not be Olivia is all I'm saying. Plus, how does Nate so easily trust this woman again. I don't care if she's the mother of his child I wouldn't leave my kid alone with them that easily. Sorry just had to rant that part out lol.
The book overall was an ok read. There were little things that bothered me but the relationship between An and Nate was lovely.
The number 1 question I have at the end of this is who does Neil end up living with? The author left that detail out. It better not be Olivia is all I'm saying. Plus, how does Nate so easily trust this woman again. I don't care if she's the mother of his child I wouldn't leave my kid alone with them that easily. Sorry just had to rant that part out lol.
The book overall was an ok read. There were little things that bothered me but the relationship between An and Nate was lovely.
February 1, 2019
4 Stars!
July 18, 2018
It was a good start, until the 'wife' came and I knew that I won't be giving this one another glance to re-read in the future.
Apart from that, I felt this book is too long and I almost lost my patience when the story will end, you know? Also, there's too much telling and some (imo) unimportant stuff that needed to cut off from the book.
I admit that I did some skimming on those parts, and also the sex is awkward. I didn't really enjoy this book, until the end. Not even the ending.
Oh well, I'll move on. This book wasn't for me.
* I received the ARC for an honest and unbiased review *
May 19, 2024
It was an lovely read noting that really got me hooked and I found some parts of that book a bit off or not really fitting, but nevertheless they dynamic between An and Nate was kinda nice and I loved that everything slowly build. Also really likes Nate’s more chilly and sweary personality. So all in all I enjoyed reading it.
February 8, 2019
I really enjoyed the first 84%, but the last 16% ruined the whole thing for me. I hate miscommunication, I hate unnecessary angst, and this whole thing... devolved so rapidly for me.
Narration was great though. Iggy Toma continues to be one of my favorite narrators. He infuses such emotion and develops the characters so well. Too bad the story didn't live up to his greatness.
I'm going to break down exactly what didn't work for me, but under a spoiler tag so I don't ruin anyone else's good time.
So, yeah. The last few chapters filled with unnecessary miscommunication, which was so totally off kilter with the flow of the rest of the book, and felt like it got shoehorned in only for the super drama llama of it all killed me.
The story really didn't need it, it didn't enhance anything, and frankly ruined it for me.
Majorly disappointed.
Story: 2 stars; Narration: 4 stars
Narration was great though. Iggy Toma continues to be one of my favorite narrators. He infuses such emotion and develops the characters so well. Too bad the story didn't live up to his greatness.
I'm going to break down exactly what didn't work for me, but under a spoiler tag so I don't ruin anyone else's good time.
So, yeah. The last few chapters filled with unnecessary miscommunication, which was so totally off kilter with the flow of the rest of the book, and felt like it got shoehorned in only for the super drama llama of it all killed me.
The story really didn't need it, it didn't enhance anything, and frankly ruined it for me.
Majorly disappointed.
Story: 2 stars; Narration: 4 stars
July 2, 2018
Crystal Lacy's debut novel is so freaking sweet.
Single dad? Check.
Hot doctor who often looks after his adorable niece who has her uncle wrapped around her little finger? Double check.
GFY? Technically. But one thing I LOOOOOOVE LOVE LOVE about this is Nate (single dad) is aware of his bisexuality and there's definitely no bi-erasure in sight :)
This is definitely a slow burn, because while Nate is single, he's technically still married. His wife left nothing but a note saying she met someone new and was leaving him and their baby. Nate's caught between wanting to explore his attraction to his neighbour and wanting to wait for his divorce to be final.
These guys build a friendship first (with lots of hidden ogling) so when they do take that eventual step, you can't be anything but happy for them.
I love that the author had a chance to make Nate's ex a villain but totally didn't. How did this happen? You'll have to read it and find out.
*ARC provided by author but these are my opinions*
Single dad? Check.
Hot doctor who often looks after his adorable niece who has her uncle wrapped around her little finger? Double check.
GFY? Technically. But one thing I LOOOOOOVE LOVE LOVE about this is Nate (single dad) is aware of his bisexuality and there's definitely no bi-erasure in sight :)
This is definitely a slow burn, because while Nate is single, he's technically still married. His wife left nothing but a note saying she met someone new and was leaving him and their baby. Nate's caught between wanting to explore his attraction to his neighbour and wanting to wait for his divorce to be final.
These guys build a friendship first (with lots of hidden ogling) so when they do take that eventual step, you can't be anything but happy for them.
I love that the author had a chance to make Nate's ex a villain but totally didn't. How did this happen? You'll have to read it and find out.
*ARC provided by author but these are my opinions*
Read
December 20, 2020DNF at 34%. Not holding my attention.
August 10, 2018
I’ve been waiting for this book for a long time! The one I couldn’t put down from start to finish, the one I read slower because I didn’t want it to end, and the one that captured my every being and touched me deep down in. Not since Keira Andrews’ Beyond the Sea have I been so captivated!
This reader loves to discover new authors and ones who write with clean, clear, crisp imagery and feeling are just icing on the cake. Crystal Lacy does just that in her breathtaking debut novel Brave for You.
From the get go, Lacy gives you a crystalline picture of Dr. Andrew Hoang and his construction foreman neighbor, Nathan, and you can’t wait to see these two men get together. “An” is the adoring uncle who shelters himself in meaningless hookup’s, due to his family’s shame. “Nate” is a lonely single father, abandoned by his wife, trying to make it on his own. One chance meeting will change their lives forever.
From An’s briefest of encounters with Nate in their apartment lobby (where he catches every minute detail), to Nate, who bumps into An at his six-month-old son Neil’s pediatric visit, their casual ease is a pleasant segue into what you know will be a tempting slow-burn.
This reader loves to discover new authors and ones who write with clean, clear, crisp imagery and feeling are just icing on the cake. Crystal Lacy does just that in her breathtaking debut novel ‘Brave for You’.
When a neighborly gesture turns into dinner with drinks and easy conversation, a lapse in judgment by Dr. Hoang sends both men scrambling to internalize their own thoughts and feelings. As boundaries are set, a beautiful rapport develops, and an easy, mutual friendship begins to manifests itself. Each man remains respectful of the other’s circumstances and “self-imposed” limitations. But how far will they restrict their hearts from what’s unfolding right before them?
Crystal Lacy brings their world alive through beautiful descriptions of outings on the beach with the children, adventurous hikes with a curious five-year-old and even delighting in cultural foods… which literally made me wish I could be there and left my mouth watering!
When their feelings begin to change, their giddiness is joyful to behold. That flavor of new, from wondering what the other really thinks of you, to fretting about what to wear on a first date, and putting your emotions and your heart on the line at the risk of wounded pride. As they marvel at the gentleness and wonder of intimate first touches and first times, the sex between them is just as flirty and sensual as their everyday interactions with one another.
‘Brave for You’ is a beautiful tapestry of words that paint a picturesque journey. I wanted to drink up Crystal Lacy’s writing as much as these two men.
While life begins to unfold into something new and different they each discover their pasts knocking on the door. An’s Asian parents are less than accepting of his lifestyle and he must conclude if he’s ready to truly be himself. And Nate is left to decide if he can let go of his guilt, to believe he’s enough for someone else. With the help of An’s best friend and medical practice partner, Freddie, and the unlikeliest sources of support for Nate, both men learn what it means to be brave, brave for themselves and brave for one another.
If you’ve ever had a piece of music impact your emotions and make you feel… this is exactly what Crystal Lacy did for me with Brave for You. She spawns thoughts of my all time favorite composition from Brian Crain, “Crimson Sky”, which evokes memories of the progression of a relationship I hear taking place. From the wonder of new-found friendship, to the surprise of a new bond developing, and the elation at uncovering what you’ve always wanted.
Brave for You is a beautiful tapestry of words that paint a picturesque journey. I wanted to drink up Crystal Lacy’s writing as much as these two men. If this standalone is Lacy being brave I can’t wait to see what this debut author brings us next in this Oahu Lovers series!
This reader loves to discover new authors and ones who write with clean, clear, crisp imagery and feeling are just icing on the cake. Crystal Lacy does just that in her breathtaking debut novel Brave for You.
From the get go, Lacy gives you a crystalline picture of Dr. Andrew Hoang and his construction foreman neighbor, Nathan, and you can’t wait to see these two men get together. “An” is the adoring uncle who shelters himself in meaningless hookup’s, due to his family’s shame. “Nate” is a lonely single father, abandoned by his wife, trying to make it on his own. One chance meeting will change their lives forever.
From An’s briefest of encounters with Nate in their apartment lobby (where he catches every minute detail), to Nate, who bumps into An at his six-month-old son Neil’s pediatric visit, their casual ease is a pleasant segue into what you know will be a tempting slow-burn.
This reader loves to discover new authors and ones who write with clean, clear, crisp imagery and feeling are just icing on the cake. Crystal Lacy does just that in her breathtaking debut novel ‘Brave for You’.
When a neighborly gesture turns into dinner with drinks and easy conversation, a lapse in judgment by Dr. Hoang sends both men scrambling to internalize their own thoughts and feelings. As boundaries are set, a beautiful rapport develops, and an easy, mutual friendship begins to manifests itself. Each man remains respectful of the other’s circumstances and “self-imposed” limitations. But how far will they restrict their hearts from what’s unfolding right before them?
Crystal Lacy brings their world alive through beautiful descriptions of outings on the beach with the children, adventurous hikes with a curious five-year-old and even delighting in cultural foods… which literally made me wish I could be there and left my mouth watering!
When their feelings begin to change, their giddiness is joyful to behold. That flavor of new, from wondering what the other really thinks of you, to fretting about what to wear on a first date, and putting your emotions and your heart on the line at the risk of wounded pride. As they marvel at the gentleness and wonder of intimate first touches and first times, the sex between them is just as flirty and sensual as their everyday interactions with one another.
‘Brave for You’ is a beautiful tapestry of words that paint a picturesque journey. I wanted to drink up Crystal Lacy’s writing as much as these two men.
While life begins to unfold into something new and different they each discover their pasts knocking on the door. An’s Asian parents are less than accepting of his lifestyle and he must conclude if he’s ready to truly be himself. And Nate is left to decide if he can let go of his guilt, to believe he’s enough for someone else. With the help of An’s best friend and medical practice partner, Freddie, and the unlikeliest sources of support for Nate, both men learn what it means to be brave, brave for themselves and brave for one another.
If you’ve ever had a piece of music impact your emotions and make you feel… this is exactly what Crystal Lacy did for me with Brave for You. She spawns thoughts of my all time favorite composition from Brian Crain, “Crimson Sky”, which evokes memories of the progression of a relationship I hear taking place. From the wonder of new-found friendship, to the surprise of a new bond developing, and the elation at uncovering what you’ve always wanted.
Brave for You is a beautiful tapestry of words that paint a picturesque journey. I wanted to drink up Crystal Lacy’s writing as much as these two men. If this standalone is Lacy being brave I can’t wait to see what this debut author brings us next in this Oahu Lovers series!
July 27, 2018
I have a new author to love! Crystal Lacy's "Brave For You" is a story about love and family. As other reviewers have mentioned, there's a nice layering of Vietnamese culture in this story that lends one of the main characters authenticity, and the novel's Hawaii setting definitely helps it stand out from the crowd!
Readers who enjoy "single father" romances will particularly love it. Sometimes when you read a book, you don't fall in love with just the romantic leads, but with an entire family unit. With a slow burn friends-to-lovers theme, you really get to know these two men -- An and Nate -- on a deeper level than with many books. Their relationship feels solid because you watch them grow to love each other and make a family of their own without the story being all about the sex (though there are some sexy scenes!)
I'll definitely be watching for Crystal's upcoming books.
Readers who enjoy "single father" romances will particularly love it. Sometimes when you read a book, you don't fall in love with just the romantic leads, but with an entire family unit. With a slow burn friends-to-lovers theme, you really get to know these two men -- An and Nate -- on a deeper level than with many books. Their relationship feels solid because you watch them grow to love each other and make a family of their own without the story being all about the sex (though there are some sexy scenes!)
I'll definitely be watching for Crystal's upcoming books.
September 24, 2019
3.5 stars. Audio book
This was fun and I enjoyed the story and audio. The kids stole the show!! Reading the blurb you know how the story goes. I knew the wife would come back, I didn't think it would go the way it did. MUCH less drama than anticipated which I was grateful for. And don't hate the momma; she was dealing with stuff.
Predictable but enjoyable. I laughed, I groaned from frustration and anger, and laughed again. I do recommend this story and the audio. Narration was great.
World changing story? Hah, no. But easy and will give you a high after a down story. 😊
This was fun and I enjoyed the story and audio. The kids stole the show!! Reading the blurb you know how the story goes. I knew the wife would come back, I didn't think it would go the way it did. MUCH less drama than anticipated which I was grateful for. And don't hate the momma; she was dealing with stuff.
Predictable but enjoyable. I laughed, I groaned from frustration and anger, and laughed again. I do recommend this story and the audio. Narration was great.
World changing story? Hah, no. But easy and will give you a high after a down story. 😊
August 8, 2018
It was ... nice. Can't blame this steady, slow flow of a story that I was looking for a fun summer read, something exiting make the August heatwave more bearable but got more a nice, cosy read for late October.
April 26, 2020
Uno slow burn costruito ad arte. Per chi come noi ha una cultura occidentale, è difficile capire i meccanismi e il modo di pensare della cultura orientale, quello che per noi potrebbe essere servilismo in realtà per loro è rispetto, e rispetto della gerarchia famigliare. Non avrebbe potuto non essere uno slow burn, con queste premesse. An mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza, un uomo di 40 anni, vietnamita, pediatra, in teoria forte e orgoglioso, nella realtà soggiogato dalla sua cultura, che non rinnega, ma neppure ama. Perché è quella che gli ha insegnato a farsi da parte, a cedere il passo, a non prendere nulla per sé, a non essere esigente, anche a soffrire se capita, sempre grazie a quel retaggio.
Devo dire che i genitori di An sono l'emblema dell'omofobia culturale, i classici tipi che, pur vivendo alle Hawaii, continuano a parlare vietnamita, non si sforzano di aprire la mente ad altro e non perché sono di per sé omofobi, ma perché quella è la loro cultura, e le tradizioni e le origini vengono prima di tutto.
Se i protagonisti fossero stati due ragazzi americani, avrebbe sicuramente avuto su di me un impatto diverso, vorrei dire negativo, perché alcune circostanze sono fuori da quello che è il normale pensare, ma tenendo conto della diversa cultura, direi che è perfetto così.
Devo dire che i genitori di An sono l'emblema dell'omofobia culturale, i classici tipi che, pur vivendo alle Hawaii, continuano a parlare vietnamita, non si sforzano di aprire la mente ad altro e non perché sono di per sé omofobi, ma perché quella è la loro cultura, e le tradizioni e le origini vengono prima di tutto.
Se i protagonisti fossero stati due ragazzi americani, avrebbe sicuramente avuto su di me un impatto diverso, vorrei dire negativo, perché alcune circostanze sono fuori da quello che è il normale pensare, ma tenendo conto della diversa cultura, direi che è perfetto così.
February 6, 2019
Audiobook review3,5 stars
Nate Ellison’s life changed overnight when his wife left him and their infant son. Struggling to juggle it all as a single father he has little time to even think – let alone relax. When he meets his neighbour Andrew, An, a paediatrician not without his own struggles. The two forms a friendship that helps them both and from that develops something deeper, something new.
There were parts that I really enjoyed and parts that didn’t quite work for me. I love a good slow-burn romance, friends to lovers and braving the world coming out. We got all of that and more with this book. It felt like Nate and An had the time to really get to know each other and form a foundation before the physical part of their relationship took over. There was some back and forth on Nate’s part, but not to the point where it was annoying, it made it credible as a relationship with a man was something new for him. It made me believe in him and in them.
Something that just didn’t work for me was the food. There was entirely too much of it in this book, descriptions of foods; the looks and the taste of every single bite. Then there were the discussions of menus and dishes and what worked together and so forth. It’s every meal and it’s extremely detailed. It was just too much – especially since neither of them were chefs or worked in the food industry.
Then there was the whole Olivia (the runaway wife) business. He has no idea where she is or if she’s coming back. He’s also clearly worries about her lying dead in a ditch somewhere, that something is not right and might have happened to her. So if he’s so worried about her being hurt or dead, why doesn’t he try to find her or report her missing? I mean he did love her at one point in his life – and not that long ago. So ignoring that mess just didn’t sit right with me.
Sometimes it felt like drama was added for the sake of it. It felt unnecessary and is not something I particularly enjoy. As was the big misunderstanding and miss/non communication. Not a fan, but it was also something that I could live with.
I am a fan of Iggy Toma’s narrations. He brings the story to life with distinguished voices for the characters and adding feelings to the words. There were also a lot of foreign words that Toma handled really well, to my untrained ears they sounded authentic. He nailed the pacing of the story, it all flowed along nicely.
Okay for the moment but not a story that I’ll listen to again or one that will stay with me. I’m probably going to pick up the second book as there were god elements to this one. Who knows, I might like the next one better.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
June 10, 2020
Adorabile ❤️ davvero tanto tanto adorabile.
Ci voleva una lettura così leggera e tanto dolce in questo periodo.
An e Nate sono due protagonisti bellissimi e reali, un po' goffi perché... Beh hanno le loro ragioni e impedimenti vari.
Essendo un'amante di cultura orientale ho apprezzato tantissimo come l'autrice ci trasporta alla scoperta delle origini di An, ragazzo Vietnamita, dal cibo al cinema, fino alla rigidità della famiglia che è in tutto e per tutto la fotografia di una tradizionale famiglia orientale.
Vorrei dire che certe regole e dinamiche, determinate imposizioni, il senso del dovere e del rispetto non riguardano solo l'orientamento sessuale, come in questo caso specifico che è stato affrontato benissimo.
Bello bellissimo 😍 dolce e tanto sexy. Una coccola per il cuore.
Ci voleva una lettura così leggera e tanto dolce in questo periodo.
An e Nate sono due protagonisti bellissimi e reali, un po' goffi perché... Beh hanno le loro ragioni e impedimenti vari.
Essendo un'amante di cultura orientale ho apprezzato tantissimo come l'autrice ci trasporta alla scoperta delle origini di An, ragazzo Vietnamita, dal cibo al cinema, fino alla rigidità della famiglia che è in tutto e per tutto la fotografia di una tradizionale famiglia orientale.
Vorrei dire che certe regole e dinamiche, determinate imposizioni, il senso del dovere e del rispetto non riguardano solo l'orientamento sessuale, come in questo caso specifico che è stato affrontato benissimo.
Bello bellissimo 😍 dolce e tanto sexy. Una coccola per il cuore.
July 27, 2018
Every time I don't screen for bisexual elements and read blind, without fail a wife or girlfriend shows up. Can you imagine an MF romance where two guys were married only for one to go off and romance a woman? That would be correctly labeled as harmful and problematic, and the inverse should be as well. END this homophobic heterosexual paradigm nonsense.
July 28, 2018
Great (debut?) book, definitely an author to watch!
This is a new-to-me author (and maybe fairly new overall), and I'm amazed at how great this was. Not that new authors can't be great!
It was interesting and captivatingly sweet from the get go. A slow burn, that really turned up the heat in the latter part. I loved that the kids in the story were essential to the storyline and not just throwaways. It bugs me to no end when kids are thrown in to a story for no reason and then mostly forgotten.
The setting and culture were something we don't see a lot of in this genre. I can't speak to authenticity (and would never presume to do so), but it was seemlessly woven into the plot and played an important role in An's character growth.
It did get a little long (kinda like this review ;D) with what felt like unnecessary scenes, but I could understand why the author did it that way. You needed to really feel the struggle to understand the obstacles.
Overall I loved it, and am adding this author to my list to read.
This is a new-to-me author (and maybe fairly new overall), and I'm amazed at how great this was. Not that new authors can't be great!
It was interesting and captivatingly sweet from the get go. A slow burn, that really turned up the heat in the latter part. I loved that the kids in the story were essential to the storyline and not just throwaways. It bugs me to no end when kids are thrown in to a story for no reason and then mostly forgotten.
The setting and culture were something we don't see a lot of in this genre. I can't speak to authenticity (and would never presume to do so), but it was seemlessly woven into the plot and played an important role in An's character growth.
It did get a little long (kinda like this review ;D) with what felt like unnecessary scenes, but I could understand why the author did it that way. You needed to really feel the struggle to understand the obstacles.
Overall I loved it, and am adding this author to my list to read.
September 11, 2021
9/11/2021 - Will write a better review later.
I love single parent books! Yay! This was sweet & sexy. The angst wasn’t too heavy & didn’t last too long.
And Iggy Toma 🥰
I love single parent books! Yay! This was sweet & sexy. The angst wasn’t too heavy & didn’t last too long.
And Iggy Toma 🥰
August 8, 2018
•.¸(*•.¸ ♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´`*•..¸.•*´*•.¸(*•.¸ ♥¸.•*´)¸.•*
♥ ´*•.¸ Yay for love with a twist!¸.•* ♥
.¸.•*(¸.•*´ ♥`*•.¸)`*•. ¸.•*`*•.´*•.¸(*•.¸ ♥¸.•*´)`*•.
New to me author Crystal Lacy drew me into her tale of multicultural love with a twist. Paediatrician Andrew was not looking for love, yet he found it with single father Nate, when the man walked into his life. Nate was raising his infant son after his wife left him and doing the best that he could. When an emergency occurred, he took his new neighbour up on his offer and asked for help.
Both stubborn in their need to stay true to themselves, neither could deny the tension building between them. With homophobic parents on Andrew's side and Nate's discovery that he had feeling that ran deeper than friendship for the doctor, there was just one more surprise waiting around the corner.
Did the men get to have the happy ending they deserved, or would outside interference severe their ties?
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
♥ ´*•.¸ Yay for love with a twist!¸.•* ♥
.¸.•*(¸.•*´ ♥`*•.¸)`*•. ¸.•*`*•.´*•.¸(*•.¸ ♥¸.•*´)`*•.
New to me author Crystal Lacy drew me into her tale of multicultural love with a twist. Paediatrician Andrew was not looking for love, yet he found it with single father Nate, when the man walked into his life. Nate was raising his infant son after his wife left him and doing the best that he could. When an emergency occurred, he took his new neighbour up on his offer and asked for help.
Both stubborn in their need to stay true to themselves, neither could deny the tension building between them. With homophobic parents on Andrew's side and Nate's discovery that he had feeling that ran deeper than friendship for the doctor, there was just one more surprise waiting around the corner.
Did the men get to have the happy ending they deserved, or would outside interference severe their ties?
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
July 11, 2018
You know how I never read romances with children, because most of the time I end up getting cranky that the children aren't written properly? They either read as too young or too old. The other reason is that I don't want kids cluttering up the romance. I'm a horrible person. Whatever.
Well, I broke my rule with Brave For You, and trust me, no one was more surprised than me at how much I loved the presence of baby Neil and 5-year-old Dai in this book. They added a genuine layer of warmth, humour, and stakes to this love story.
And can I say how sweet this book was? It was probably the sweetest m/m romance I've ever read and I mean that in the best possible way. An and Nate's relationship was this lovely slow burn, fraught with doubt due to cultural disapproval, failed marriage, and generally not believing in their right to be happy.
It's simply a lovely multicultural romance set in Hawaii, which got me seriously craving Vietnamese food. Lacy handles all the elements of this story with a deft hand and I'm very happy to have discovered this author.
Well, I broke my rule with Brave For You, and trust me, no one was more surprised than me at how much I loved the presence of baby Neil and 5-year-old Dai in this book. They added a genuine layer of warmth, humour, and stakes to this love story.
And can I say how sweet this book was? It was probably the sweetest m/m romance I've ever read and I mean that in the best possible way. An and Nate's relationship was this lovely slow burn, fraught with doubt due to cultural disapproval, failed marriage, and generally not believing in their right to be happy.
It's simply a lovely multicultural romance set in Hawaii, which got me seriously craving Vietnamese food. Lacy handles all the elements of this story with a deft hand and I'm very happy to have discovered this author.
August 3, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by new-to-me author Chrystal Lacy. It is a charming, fun story with a little bit of angst.
A chance meeting at the same apartment building is the beginning of a lovely slow-burn romance. Construction worker Nate has a precious little baby boy, Neil, and is alone after his wife, Olivia, left them. An lives a few doors from him and happens to be his stand-in pediatrician.
I liked An and Nate separately, but especially when they were together. They are not very deeply developed, but I found them very likable. I always want to sense that connection between the MCs, and I certainly did in this story. Their dancing around each other was fun to read. I liked that Nate didn’t question his attraction towards An and didn’t hesitate to pursue him. The one thing that I found a bit off was the fact that Nate was still married didn’t come up in the story until the very end when Olivia returns.
The writing style was flowing and smooth. At times, the descriptions were a bit too elaborate for my taste, but the dialogue and banter were very nicely done and fun.
Stories with kids are one of my favorites. When done right, kids can add that extra layer to a story. That certainly is the case here. Neil is a sweet baby, and An’s cousin, Dai, is a precocious but very cute four-year-old. Without these two, the story wouldn’t be the same.
I love meeting new authors, and this is one who I hope will write more stories in the near future.
A chance meeting at the same apartment building is the beginning of a lovely slow-burn romance. Construction worker Nate has a precious little baby boy, Neil, and is alone after his wife, Olivia, left them. An lives a few doors from him and happens to be his stand-in pediatrician.
I liked An and Nate separately, but especially when they were together. They are not very deeply developed, but I found them very likable. I always want to sense that connection between the MCs, and I certainly did in this story. Their dancing around each other was fun to read. I liked that Nate didn’t question his attraction towards An and didn’t hesitate to pursue him. The one thing that I found a bit off was the fact that Nate was still married didn’t come up in the story until the very end when Olivia returns.
The writing style was flowing and smooth. At times, the descriptions were a bit too elaborate for my taste, but the dialogue and banter were very nicely done and fun.
Stories with kids are one of my favorites. When done right, kids can add that extra layer to a story. That certainly is the case here. Neil is a sweet baby, and An’s cousin, Dai, is a precocious but very cute four-year-old. Without these two, the story wouldn’t be the same.
I love meeting new authors, and this is one who I hope will write more stories in the near future.
June 20, 2020
✔ Letto! Una bellissima e graditissima nuova aggiunta al genere MM nelle traduzioni italiane.
Oggi sono stata in uno dei paradisi sulla terra, nelle Hawaii e più precisamente a Oahu in compagnia del Dr. Pediatra Andrew "An" Hong e del Capo Cantiere specializzato Nate Ellison.
Un libro molto carino, e l'aggiunta dei bambini a solo arricchito la storia. Dai, la nipotina di An è divertentissima e il piccolo Neil che fa la sua prima conoscenza del mondo, insieme al suo papà.
Logicamente non potevano mancare i genitori omofobi e il quanto il loro atteggiamento influisca sulla vita dei suoi figli. E qui ci vuole l'atto di coraggio da parte di An, che ha affrontato i suoi genitori per la prima volta, dandosi finalmente l'opportunità di portare avanti una relazione con qualcuno.
Ma il tema principale è è non poteva essere altrimenti, l'amore la forza piu potente dell'universo e il suo potere di guarigione.
Vi auguro questa dolce lettura e non vedo l'ora di leggere i suoi seguiti.
Per me è un bel ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ in un libro ben scritto, lineare e anche con un poco pochino di angst.
Oggi sono stata in uno dei paradisi sulla terra, nelle Hawaii e più precisamente a Oahu in compagnia del Dr. Pediatra Andrew "An" Hong e del Capo Cantiere specializzato Nate Ellison.
Un libro molto carino, e l'aggiunta dei bambini a solo arricchito la storia. Dai, la nipotina di An è divertentissima e il piccolo Neil che fa la sua prima conoscenza del mondo, insieme al suo papà.
Logicamente non potevano mancare i genitori omofobi e il quanto il loro atteggiamento influisca sulla vita dei suoi figli. E qui ci vuole l'atto di coraggio da parte di An, che ha affrontato i suoi genitori per la prima volta, dandosi finalmente l'opportunità di portare avanti una relazione con qualcuno.
Ma il tema principale è è non poteva essere altrimenti, l'amore la forza piu potente dell'universo e il suo potere di guarigione.
Vi auguro questa dolce lettura e non vedo l'ora di leggere i suoi seguiti.
Per me è un bel ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ in un libro ben scritto, lineare e anche con un poco pochino di angst.
September 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I really like opposites attract stories. The blurb for Brave for You intrigued me. Not only do Nate and An have completely different jobs, there is a cultural difference. An was raised in a strict Vietnamese home. His parents are very old fashioned–hugely old fashioned–and Nate’s wife left him and Neil for another man. Still, once Nate and An begin seeing each other, as friends at first and then as lovers, everything seems to be smooth sailing. Even though events beyond their control begin to take place, it’s obvious they care very much for each other.
I really liked Nate and An. They were honorable men with a lot of responsibilities, especially with the children in their lives. They’re important to their sisters and their jobs are demanding. However, they make it through strength of character and their blooming love for each other.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I really like opposites attract stories. The blurb for Brave for You intrigued me. Not only do Nate and An have completely different jobs, there is a cultural difference. An was raised in a strict Vietnamese home. His parents are very old fashioned–hugely old fashioned–and Nate’s wife left him and Neil for another man. Still, once Nate and An begin seeing each other, as friends at first and then as lovers, everything seems to be smooth sailing. Even though events beyond their control begin to take place, it’s obvious they care very much for each other.
I really liked Nate and An. They were honorable men with a lot of responsibilities, especially with the children in their lives. They’re important to their sisters and their jobs are demanding. However, they make it through strength of character and their blooming love for each other.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
January 30, 2019
So lovely. A gentle slow burn with enough external conflict to give my heart a squeeze but no unnecessary angst.
Great narration too.
Great narration too.
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