What do you think?
Rate this book
Superpowered Love #1
Equilibrium
Hansen has been hot for Sam since they first bonded over their secret superpowers—literally hot, since Hansen can produce fire from thin air. But Sam is always covered in girls, so Hansen keeps his feelings deeply buried and settles for being Sam's best friend.
Then Sam's electrical powers go haywire in public, and in the fallout a mutual attraction is forced to the surface—but bisexuality is new to Sam, and Hansen is afraid to admit he's in love. And in the midst of trying to figure out themselves and each other, they have to face—and survive—the unfriendly witness to Sam's explosion.
Then Sam's electrical powers go haywire in public, and in the fallout a mutual attraction is forced to the surface—but bisexuality is new to Sam, and Hansen is afraid to admit he's in love. And in the midst of trying to figure out themselves and each other, they have to face—and survive—the unfriendly witness to Sam's explosion.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2011
7 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
About the author
Katey Hawthorne
61 books152 followersHi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.
I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:
Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks
I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:
Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 7, 2021
Equilibrium by Katey. Hawthorne
Superpowered Love book 1. Paranormal M-M new adult romance.
The world and humanity is changing. The Awakened have special abilities. Hanson first meets Sam after he shorts out the toaster at school. Sam didn’t know what was happening to him but Hanson was able to explain and counteract the electricity with his own ability to heat and cool the fire. The two become friends and then lovers when one of their friends threatens to expose them as enhanced.
80% first relationship learning and reconciliation, 20% paranormal issues and dealing with those.
Charming relationship building while Hanson and Sam learn to accept and understand each other while dealing with emotional issues. Sex that goes from bumbling through first innocent encounters to full heat.
World building that is not fully complete but has potential to be superhero / comic book strong.
3.5
Superpowered Love book 1. Paranormal M-M new adult romance.
The world and humanity is changing. The Awakened have special abilities. Hanson first meets Sam after he shorts out the toaster at school. Sam didn’t know what was happening to him but Hanson was able to explain and counteract the electricity with his own ability to heat and cool the fire. The two become friends and then lovers when one of their friends threatens to expose them as enhanced.
80% first relationship learning and reconciliation, 20% paranormal issues and dealing with those.
Charming relationship building while Hanson and Sam learn to accept and understand each other while dealing with emotional issues. Sex that goes from bumbling through first innocent encounters to full heat.
World building that is not fully complete but has potential to be superhero / comic book strong.
3.5
October 5, 2011
What I Liked:
I didn’t completely hate it
It was fairly short
What I Didn’t Like:
At first it seemed like everyone knew about the “awakened” with all the science explanation for why they were the way they were but then it turns out very few people know about them so it seemed to contradict itself
It was apparently a GFY where he went instantly gay. He broke up with his girlfriend and hooks up with his male roommate that night. No explanation given never appears to question it or seem like he ever was straight
No Character development, pretty much learn basics of everyone and never builds from there
Plot was so simple it was almost not there and seemed to take a backseat to tons of sex
So much sex it was crazy. The craziest part they never actually have anal sex until the very end like 98%. There was just hand jobs or rubbing off on each other over and over again before going to oral and it was so boring IMHO and the scenes were long I have never read a hand job scene that took so long to finish
You never knew who was saying what, even with conversations with two people it got confusing add in three or more and even rereading conversations a few times I couldn’t figure out who was supposed to be saying what
The bad guy thing made no sense, I am not sure what the point of having that in the story even was, I guess to try and have some plot around the hand-jobs but it was pretty weak IMO
I didn’t completely hate it
It was fairly short
What I Didn’t Like:
At first it seemed like everyone knew about the “awakened” with all the science explanation for why they were the way they were but then it turns out very few people know about them so it seemed to contradict itself
It was apparently a GFY where he went instantly gay. He broke up with his girlfriend and hooks up with his male roommate that night. No explanation given never appears to question it or seem like he ever was straight
No Character development, pretty much learn basics of everyone and never builds from there
Plot was so simple it was almost not there and seemed to take a backseat to tons of sex
So much sex it was crazy. The craziest part they never actually have anal sex until the very end like 98%. There was just hand jobs or rubbing off on each other over and over again before going to oral and it was so boring IMHO and the scenes were long I have never read a hand job scene that took so long to finish
You never knew who was saying what, even with conversations with two people it got confusing add in three or more and even rereading conversations a few times I couldn’t figure out who was supposed to be saying what
The bad guy thing made no sense, I am not sure what the point of having that in the story even was, I guess to try and have some plot around the hand-jobs but it was pretty weak IMO
August 24, 2011
The writing is good overall, I just wish that more had happened. There really wasn't much of an original plot despite what potential there was. I liked the characters. I suppose my real complaint is just that it seemed like very little was happening, and that made the pace rather slow, especially for a short novella such as this.
Want to read
September 30, 2011Omg omg I LOVE this cover!
August 26, 2011
This book was... Quite different, frankly. I know these types of books are out there, but this is the first M/M book I've read that has a superpower theme. I was a bit apprehensive, of course, just like the way people are when trying out something new. But a lot of things worked here for me - and I'm not even sure if I can list down all the reasons why I liked this book a lot. Because honestly? Some part of me still isn't sure what I liked so much about this.
What I do know is the fact that Hansen was an incredible narrator. His voice is really wonderful; it's casual and simple but his personality really pulls through from the pages. He's dorky, but he doesn't push any stereotypes. I thought his explanations about equilibrium were pretty fitting - they held my attention, something I can't really say about game theory and economics in general. Sam was a cool character, too. These two are definitely interesting characters, and from the first page I already rooted for Hansen and Sam to get together. They pretty much do so early in the book, but of course they have their issues to straighten out.
However, there are no huge misunderstandings that force a rift to grow in between these two young men. I liked that a lot. For once, we have protagonists who actually communicate - albeit they do so in their own silly way. Sometimes their conversations come in late, but these guys aren't fast in making conclusions. They did have their own insecurities, though. These same insecurities made way for a considerate amount of minor angst (which, in turn, actually caused a lump to form in my throat in some scenes), but nothing was overdone. Their chemistry was absolutely great! This is essentially a friends-to-lovers type of story, and there is an easy camaraderie between these two. Their friendship isn't compromised by their new relationship (although Hansen seems to think so). Also, I found myself not really minding Nessa at all. I liked her, in some ways, and an author who can write an ex-girlfriend whom I don't find annoying is always a good author.
Like Ami said in her review, I could have benefited more from more world-building. I couldn't understand terms like "EMF" (which I eventually figured out was electromagnetic field, or something) and "sleeper" - plus we don't really know why these awakened people have powers, other than the mention of an organ in passing. I also would've appreciated a bit more elaboration on what happened with Uncle Neil and on the sleepers who go witch-hunting. What do these witch-hunters do and how bad can their actions be? I am of the understanding, though, that there will be more stories set in the same universe, and hopefully we'll get more answers by then.
So, overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It's quite different from the normal stuff - which sets this apart and makes it memorable. It combines a lot of unusual aspects, like superpowers and game theory, and actually makes it work. I'll gladly read it again at some point.
This review can also be found here.
What I do know is the fact that Hansen was an incredible narrator. His voice is really wonderful; it's casual and simple but his personality really pulls through from the pages. He's dorky, but he doesn't push any stereotypes. I thought his explanations about equilibrium were pretty fitting - they held my attention, something I can't really say about game theory and economics in general. Sam was a cool character, too. These two are definitely interesting characters, and from the first page I already rooted for Hansen and Sam to get together. They pretty much do so early in the book, but of course they have their issues to straighten out.
However, there are no huge misunderstandings that force a rift to grow in between these two young men. I liked that a lot. For once, we have protagonists who actually communicate - albeit they do so in their own silly way. Sometimes their conversations come in late, but these guys aren't fast in making conclusions. They did have their own insecurities, though. These same insecurities made way for a considerate amount of minor angst (which, in turn, actually caused a lump to form in my throat in some scenes), but nothing was overdone. Their chemistry was absolutely great! This is essentially a friends-to-lovers type of story, and there is an easy camaraderie between these two. Their friendship isn't compromised by their new relationship (although Hansen seems to think so). Also, I found myself not really minding Nessa at all. I liked her, in some ways, and an author who can write an ex-girlfriend whom I don't find annoying is always a good author.
Like Ami said in her review, I could have benefited more from more world-building. I couldn't understand terms like "EMF" (which I eventually figured out was electromagnetic field, or something) and "sleeper" - plus we don't really know why these awakened people have powers, other than the mention of an organ in passing. I also would've appreciated a bit more elaboration on what happened with Uncle Neil and on the sleepers who go witch-hunting. What do these witch-hunters do and how bad can their actions be? I am of the understanding, though, that there will be more stories set in the same universe, and hopefully we'll get more answers by then.
So, overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. It's quite different from the normal stuff - which sets this apart and makes it memorable. It combines a lot of unusual aspects, like superpowers and game theory, and actually makes it work. I'll gladly read it again at some point.
This review can also be found here.
August 26, 2011
The core of this story is a friends-to-lovers series, with a touch of GFY (since Sam, an electric type, dates women before). I enjoy Hansen's voice (he's the narrator, a thermal type) -- it is a bit dorky but funny too. I mean, come on, explaining about he doesn't date by using Nash's (from A Beautiful Mind) Equilibrium theory? That's a first :p
Unfortunately, there is a lack of world-building/background to give this story a context, and make it great. And despite the "scare" that happens near the end, when one person discover their "superpower", nothing much is happening. Except if you count Sam dumping his girl-friend and then makes his move to Hansen ... which fulfils Hansen's fantasy, after four years.
Oh, and I sort of getting loss in all the explanation of Equilibrium (yeah, I'm not such a smart brainiac *grin*)
Unfortunately, there is a lack of world-building/background to give this story a context, and make it great. And despite the "scare" that happens near the end, when one person discover their "superpower", nothing much is happening. Except if you count Sam dumping his girl-friend and then makes his move to Hansen ... which fulfils Hansen's fantasy, after four years.
Oh, and I sort of getting loss in all the explanation of Equilibrium (yeah, I'm not such a smart brainiac *grin*)
November 9, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
It's ..OK
Teenage -though they must be early twenties- friends to more, with a mature non-evil ex-girlfriend and super powers as a side plot.
The world building is vague though the author liked her theories. I didn't get the powers except as a colourful side plot.
Lots of skippable sex.
Nothing memorable or that'd make me want to read more.
It's ..OK
Teenage -though they must be early twenties- friends to more, with a mature non-evil ex-girlfriend and super powers as a side plot.
The world building is vague though the author liked her theories. I didn't get the powers except as a colourful side plot.
Lots of skippable sex.
Nothing memorable or that'd make me want to read more.
February 12, 2023
I enjoyed this book and the world that is being revealed enough to want to continue the series. The idea of the “awakened” and the “sleepers” is intriguing and it created an understandable reason for the friendships and the protagonist. There is a friends to lovers vibe.
November 26, 2012
3.5 stars
A paranormal romance about guys with superpowers (awakened) living amongst us non-powerful (sleepers), NO vamps/weres/sprites or demons, they just control physical phenomena like heat and electricity.
Hansen and Sam are college roomies; Hansen is gifted with ‘heat/fire control’ and helps Sam learn to control his ‘electric’ abilities. This is a GFY with Sam seemingly into girls until he discovers that Hansen has been secretly yearning for him for four years. There’s a pretty immediate turn-around -- Sam dumps girlfriend and hippity hops into bed with Hansen, oh my. But it worked for me as it was refreshing to just have Sam accept that he can like guys too AND the sexual chemistry was steaming hot and distracting enough that I didn’t care. So the lads discover the hots for each other and their powers play a bit in the sexual frolicking. I loved Hansen’s voice and liked the chemistry between the two; I found this a light and entertaining read and will read the sequel.
A paranormal romance about guys with superpowers (awakened) living amongst us non-powerful (sleepers), NO vamps/weres/sprites or demons, they just control physical phenomena like heat and electricity.
Hansen and Sam are college roomies; Hansen is gifted with ‘heat/fire control’ and helps Sam learn to control his ‘electric’ abilities. This is a GFY with Sam seemingly into girls until he discovers that Hansen has been secretly yearning for him for four years. There’s a pretty immediate turn-around -- Sam dumps girlfriend and hippity hops into bed with Hansen, oh my. But it worked for me as it was refreshing to just have Sam accept that he can like guys too AND the sexual chemistry was steaming hot and distracting enough that I didn’t care. So the lads discover the hots for each other and their powers play a bit in the sexual frolicking. I loved Hansen’s voice and liked the chemistry between the two; I found this a light and entertaining read and will read the sequel.
September 4, 2011
This is a very sweet best friends to lovers story. I couldn't help but hold my breath for Mark who worried that Sam would not want to stay because Mark figured Sam was basically straight. Sam made me proud as he stayed steadfast. I liked the paranormal aspect and the little problems it caused. I couldn't truly view Trent as a 'villain' and felt sorry him...okay he was dangerous but I still felt for him. A very enjoyable afternoon read. 3.5 Stars
October 4, 2021
This was a fun short read. Best friends to lovers. Bisexual awakening.
Loved Sam (the non pov MC). His easy acceptance of his blossoming sexuality but struggle with his superpower was endearing.
Plenty of on page steam and a sweet and sexy ending.
Loved Sam (the non pov MC). His easy acceptance of his blossoming sexuality but struggle with his superpower was endearing.
Plenty of on page steam and a sweet and sexy ending.
October 4, 2021
Read second edition
Have to admit I prefer this cover.
Have to admit I prefer this cover.
April 1, 2012
See, I always *knew* there was stuff going on most of us didn't know about!
Sam is a jock-boy (only a bit smarter than that usually implies) who has a little extra kick of electricity -- make that a BIG extra kick of electricity -- running through him.
Hansen's a bit of a nerd who can manipulate temperature.
I love that there's Real Science floating around -- Sam's electricity builds up and needs to be released and in order to do it safely he has to be grounded. Nothing magical, just touching the ground, like a lightning rod. And wearing a minimum of clothing, presumably so nothing sparks and catches fire. And Hansen describes his own abilities as being able to affect the speed at which molecules vibrate, speeding them up for heat and slowing them down to dampen it. Sam's a bit of a live wire, but Hansen admits that his own powers are basically, comparatively pretty weak; primarily he uses them in lieu of having to microwave stuff that's gotten cold, and to warm up when it's chilly out (please can he come live with me? My feet are always cold.)
At the beginning, Sam's pretty startled when Hansen approaches him about his electrical difficulties -- he was adopted and doesn't know *anything* about these special abilities, just that he needs to keep them hidden, but they're a bit beyond his control and he keeps shorting out small appliances. Hansen reassures him that he knows someone who can help him get it all under control (in fact, Hansen's uncle Neil had been a powerful electrical type, but had been seen by someone with no power and murdered). So Hansen's family helps Sam.
There's a bit of a Gay-for-You theme; Sam's only shown as dating girls previously, but after breaking up with the current girlfriend, he puts the moves on Hansen, who's reluctant to date him, initially. Of course, they get over that, have some nice external difficulties (no Big Misunderstandings here; just some nice, normal ones that they talk over and get over fairly quickly after a couple of minor random storming-outs.) Not going to get into that, though, as it'll get spoilery quickly.
A couple of things I liked -- while I totally believe in Insta-Love (been there, done that, got the husband, house, pets and kids)I really like that it didn't happen in this story. Insta-lust on the part of Hansen when he first meets Sam, yeah, but he keeps it to himself, and nothing happens until they've known each other for years, lived as roommates for nearly as long, and Sam is the one who finally decides what he wants and makes the first move. It was tidy and normal and didn't feel like anyone was pushing anyone into a relationship they didn't want. Yes, Sam was pushing Hansen into a relationship, but he knew, and the reader knew, that it was one Hansen *wanted* but wasn't quite ready to believe in yet. Also, I love that Hansen, the Econ Major, kept spouting off about Nash Equilibrium and game theory. I was impressed that he wasn't jealous of the fact that Sam's powers are so much greater than his. Vanessa, Sam's last girlfriend, was not painted as a stereotype. She was just a nice, normal girl. She got mad that Sam broke up with her the way he did, even though they both kind of knew it was over, but when she had a chance to get really mean and bitchy, she chose to talk calmly and nicely to both Sam and Hansen, and ended up being a friend to the guys. I would have kind of like to see more of her, actually.
The "stuff I didn't like" mostly centers around MoreMoreMoar! I liked the guys and didn't want to leave them (luckily there are two shorts!) I liked their friends and wanted to see them slightly more well-rounded as characters. Part of me wanted to see more of Trent, but part of me also realizes that in real life, they probably wouldn't have spent any more time than necessary sharing space with him after all that happened.
Overall, a sweet, fun, light little read, with some good laughs.
Sam is a jock-boy (only a bit smarter than that usually implies) who has a little extra kick of electricity -- make that a BIG extra kick of electricity -- running through him.
Hansen's a bit of a nerd who can manipulate temperature.
I love that there's Real Science floating around -- Sam's electricity builds up and needs to be released and in order to do it safely he has to be grounded. Nothing magical, just touching the ground, like a lightning rod. And wearing a minimum of clothing, presumably so nothing sparks and catches fire. And Hansen describes his own abilities as being able to affect the speed at which molecules vibrate, speeding them up for heat and slowing them down to dampen it. Sam's a bit of a live wire, but Hansen admits that his own powers are basically, comparatively pretty weak; primarily he uses them in lieu of having to microwave stuff that's gotten cold, and to warm up when it's chilly out (please can he come live with me? My feet are always cold.)
At the beginning, Sam's pretty startled when Hansen approaches him about his electrical difficulties -- he was adopted and doesn't know *anything* about these special abilities, just that he needs to keep them hidden, but they're a bit beyond his control and he keeps shorting out small appliances. Hansen reassures him that he knows someone who can help him get it all under control (in fact, Hansen's uncle Neil had been a powerful electrical type, but had been seen by someone with no power and murdered). So Hansen's family helps Sam.
There's a bit of a Gay-for-You theme; Sam's only shown as dating girls previously, but after breaking up with the current girlfriend, he puts the moves on Hansen, who's reluctant to date him, initially. Of course, they get over that, have some nice external difficulties (no Big Misunderstandings here; just some nice, normal ones that they talk over and get over fairly quickly after a couple of minor random storming-outs.) Not going to get into that, though, as it'll get spoilery quickly.
A couple of things I liked -- while I totally believe in Insta-Love (been there, done that, got the husband, house, pets and kids)I really like that it didn't happen in this story. Insta-lust on the part of Hansen when he first meets Sam, yeah, but he keeps it to himself, and nothing happens until they've known each other for years, lived as roommates for nearly as long, and Sam is the one who finally decides what he wants and makes the first move. It was tidy and normal and didn't feel like anyone was pushing anyone into a relationship they didn't want. Yes, Sam was pushing Hansen into a relationship, but he knew, and the reader knew, that it was one Hansen *wanted* but wasn't quite ready to believe in yet. Also, I love that Hansen, the Econ Major, kept spouting off about Nash Equilibrium and game theory. I was impressed that he wasn't jealous of the fact that Sam's powers are so much greater than his. Vanessa, Sam's last girlfriend, was not painted as a stereotype. She was just a nice, normal girl. She got mad that Sam broke up with her the way he did, even though they both kind of knew it was over, but when she had a chance to get really mean and bitchy, she chose to talk calmly and nicely to both Sam and Hansen, and ended up being a friend to the guys. I would have kind of like to see more of her, actually.
The "stuff I didn't like" mostly centers around MoreMoreMoar! I liked the guys and didn't want to leave them (luckily there are two shorts!) I liked their friends and wanted to see them slightly more well-rounded as characters. Part of me wanted to see more of Trent, but part of me also realizes that in real life, they probably wouldn't have spent any more time than necessary sharing space with him after all that happened.
Overall, a sweet, fun, light little read, with some good laughs.
November 27, 2011
Yeah, yeah, disclaimer, I know the author (and the Hamiltonian Neuronautics Society has a policy against selling out by endorsing products... but this is Outreach!), so you know...
Whatever, this is still a lovely story. Super powers of sciencey awesome aside, though they do add a nice tint to everything, the charm is the fact that this is a story about two great characters falling in love. Or maybe rather being in love already, but having to figure that part out - Hansen being too smart for his own good, and Sam too sweet and dumb to be able to point out to Hansen when he's outsmarting himself. Even in the short novella format, they feel like real people, rather than romantic leads, and people who you also can't help but like. (Which is odd, because I've never really met an economics student who I've liked before - even the ones I've dated... - but Hansen gives me hope!)
Well, anyway. I'll be looking forward to seeing more from this Universe, since I bet there's a whole bunch more of this world to explore. (Okay, so that's me insider trading... I bet because I know Katey spins these awesome sorts of stories like a spider on crack. But still. Kind of excited about it!)
Whatever, this is still a lovely story. Super powers of sciencey awesome aside, though they do add a nice tint to everything, the charm is the fact that this is a story about two great characters falling in love. Or maybe rather being in love already, but having to figure that part out - Hansen being too smart for his own good, and Sam too sweet and dumb to be able to point out to Hansen when he's outsmarting himself. Even in the short novella format, they feel like real people, rather than romantic leads, and people who you also can't help but like. (Which is odd, because I've never really met an economics student who I've liked before - even the ones I've dated... - but Hansen gives me hope!)
Well, anyway. I'll be looking forward to seeing more from this Universe, since I bet there's a whole bunch more of this world to explore. (Okay, so that's me insider trading... I bet because I know Katey spins these awesome sorts of stories like a spider on crack. But still. Kind of excited about it!)
September 6, 2011
I loved Sam and Hansen, and thought they balanced each other beautifully. The first scene in the cafeteria reminded me of my own college days, but I wish the book were a little longer with a bit more world-building. I was able to figure out a lot in context, but more detail/background/explanation would have been nice.
I liked that Sam was clear he was bisexual and didn't seem to have any angst about it, even with Hansen trying to push him into the classic "straight or gay" false dichotomy. I also really liked Nessa, and the way she and Sam related to each other even after the breakup. I liked a lot of things, the story really worked for me and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
I liked that Sam was clear he was bisexual and didn't seem to have any angst about it, even with Hansen trying to push him into the classic "straight or gay" false dichotomy. I also really liked Nessa, and the way she and Sam related to each other even after the breakup. I liked a lot of things, the story really worked for me and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
December 19, 2022
This novella introduces us to the Awakened, a group of people with superpowers. Hansen and Sam meet in college when Sam blows up a toaster. Hansen was raised in a family of Awakened people and was taught control. Sam was raised by adoptive parents who have no idea what he is. As a result, his control is very poor. This is a very sweet friends to lovers romance. Both characters are adorable, and they obviously care for one another from the start. I recommend this to anyone who likes m/m romance with a paranormal twist. I look forward to reading more of the series.
May 18, 2015
The guys were sweet and the sex was hot. I wish they'd talked a little more and I wish it had been longer, but a good read all in all.
January 17, 2019
This book was pretty enjoyable. I’ve never read or even heard of this author Katey Hawthorne before, but I was completely intrigued by the blurb when I read it. I’m glad I picked this one up.
Two cute boys, one gay and one “straight”, who have been best friends for years. And, both Hansen and Same have Superpowers. My only complaint with this one would be that I wish we had more information and description regarding their powers. How they got them and how they work and how it all happened. But, that lack of info didn’t take away from the cuteness factor for these two guys. They were adorable and I loved how strong their relationship was even when it moved from friends into more.
I couldn’t believe that Hansen was hiding his feelings for so long. I mean I totally understand why he did it: he was scared. But I wish he would have let Sam know just a little bit more about how he felt deep down. I think it might have saved him a little bit of worry and unnecessary heartache.
Now, the plot twist towards the end... I think it was worked into the story pretty well, it was all kind of crazy but as crazy as it was, the reasoning behind it was pretty believable to me and made the story more interesting with that added drama. In the end I really did like this book and was pleasantly surprised by how much I did. I’m totally planning to read the next few books in this series as they come out as well.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a
requirement. ***
Two cute boys, one gay and one “straight”, who have been best friends for years. And, both Hansen and Same have Superpowers. My only complaint with this one would be that I wish we had more information and description regarding their powers. How they got them and how they work and how it all happened. But, that lack of info didn’t take away from the cuteness factor for these two guys. They were adorable and I loved how strong their relationship was even when it moved from friends into more.
I couldn’t believe that Hansen was hiding his feelings for so long. I mean I totally understand why he did it: he was scared. But I wish he would have let Sam know just a little bit more about how he felt deep down. I think it might have saved him a little bit of worry and unnecessary heartache.
Now, the plot twist towards the end... I think it was worked into the story pretty well, it was all kind of crazy but as crazy as it was, the reasoning behind it was pretty believable to me and made the story more interesting with that added drama. In the end I really did like this book and was pleasantly surprised by how much I did. I’m totally planning to read the next few books in this series as they come out as well.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a
requirement. ***
September 15, 2018
It was an entertaining book. It took me a while to get myself into it but eventually I got to a point where I was hook to it. The final moments of it were really interesting.
I liked the whole paranormal thing going on about the guys but I think I couldn’t really understand the sense of it or what it meant. It that matter, I felt the plot was underdeveloped. It had a lot of potential but I don’t think it really get to be explored. What I did liked about it was the final moments, there were some events that were very exciting that I just couldn’t read fast enough. Sadly, I didn’t feel the same way for the rest of the book.
Hansen and Sam were a very nice couple. I liked their moments together, even though I did felt like there was too much sex. I would rather have more emotion between them than it actually was. Even with the issues I had I did enjoy the story and being part of a series and really interested on discovering what will come next. I do think the plot whole will be solve in the next instalments.
I liked the whole paranormal thing going on about the guys but I think I couldn’t really understand the sense of it or what it meant. It that matter, I felt the plot was underdeveloped. It had a lot of potential but I don’t think it really get to be explored. What I did liked about it was the final moments, there were some events that were very exciting that I just couldn’t read fast enough. Sadly, I didn’t feel the same way for the rest of the book.
Hansen and Sam were a very nice couple. I liked their moments together, even though I did felt like there was too much sex. I would rather have more emotion between them than it actually was. Even with the issues I had I did enjoy the story and being part of a series and really interested on discovering what will come next. I do think the plot whole will be solve in the next instalments.
May 15, 2018
Bland and boring with extra extra non-penetrative sex on the side (until almost the end of the book, not that I cared at that point anyway). The plot is considerably watered down by meaningless dialogue. DNFing at 80%.
April 14, 2012
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay
Hansen Marks first meets Sam MacLeod when he sees him almost blow up a toaster in the college cafeteria. Hansen instantly recognizes that Sam is someone like himself -- a person with "awakened" superpowers. In Hansen's case, he can create and control fire, while Sam's powers lie with electricity. Sam is shocked when Hansen approaches him because he never realized there were others out there with powers too. Unlike Hansen who grew up in a family of awakened, Sam was adopted and never met anyone else like himself. His power is strong, but still not totally within his control.
A few years later we find Sam and Hansen as best friends and roommates. But although Sam appears to see Hansen as just a friend, Hansen is totally into Sam. He has been crushing hard since college, but he understands that things aren't going to happen between them. Sam has a girlfriend after all (despite the fact that things between them are fizzling fast). Yet that doesn't keep Hansen from lusting after him, especially when Sam walks around the house in only his underwear.
Sam is still periodically frying electrical appliances as he figures out how to keep his abilities in check. His power is strong and when his emotions are high they sometimes get out of his control. One night he accidentally starts an electrical fire, and fortunately Hansen is right there to put it out. But others see them and suddenly the men risk exposure for their abilities, something Hansen especially knows can lead to trouble.
As the guys are dealing with this, things in their relationship are heating up as well. Hansen finally confirms to Sam that he is gay, and Sam admits he has been attracted to Hansen all along. And when Sam breaks up with his girlfriend, the guys take their first steps toward a relationship together. Although Hansen worries a bit about whether this is what Sam really wants, Sam reassures him that these feeling are not new. Now the guys just need to figure out whether they can make things work between them while dealing with threats of exposure and Sam's lack of control over his powers.
I really liked Equilibrium and getting to know Sam and Hansen. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the guys in terms of their backgrounds. Having grown up in an awakened family, these things are second nature to Hansen. He has trained to use his powers for years and comes from a family of people who know and understand him. Sam, on the other hand, just suddenly woke up one day sparking electricity and having no idea what was going on. Although he is close with his family, he had no one to help him deal with his powers until Hansen and has felt alone in many ways. Hansen is able to give him a sense of community and make him feel less isolated. Sam says at one point that Hansen has saved his life, helping him figure things out and feel less scared or like a freak. We get the story from Hanson's POV, which allows us to watch Sam as he grows in his power, control, and self-confidence.
I also liked the way things work out with Sam's girlfriend Nessa. Although both Sam and Nessa behave badly during the breakup, they are able to work things out over the course of the book and remain friends, and even confidants. Both end up in a better place than they were when they were together. I really appreciated seeing them work through their mistakes rather than relegating Nessa to the "bitchy ex-girlfriend" role that is all too common in m/m romance. We can understand her point of view and both of them move forward to better things after their break up.
The title of the story refers to Nash Equilibrium, a game theory that deals with figuring out people's self interests as a way to determine their behavior and your own best actions. At least I think that's the gist of it. I will admit that despite careful reading, this did go a bit over my head. It comes up primarily regarding Hansen's concerns about whether Sam is really serious about a relationship with him, especially since he has only seen him with women prior to the two of them dating.
Which leads me to my other small issue, which is I was a bit confused about Hansen. As readers we know he is gay from the start, but I had trouble understanding if he is out before he and Sam begin dating. It seemed odd that if Hansen was out that Sam would have no idea when the two are such close friends. By the end of the book it is clear that Hansen's family knew he is gay, so I assume he was partially out at least? But maybe only to them? In reality, this doesn't really matter to the story, but I did find it confusing.
Overall I really enjoyed Equilibrium. I loved the contrast between Sam and Hansen and the mixture of strength and vulnerability that they each had. The book nicely blends the various plot points of Sam learning his powers, combined with the guys facing threats of exposure, along with the building of the relationship between them. Sam and Hansen were both great characters and very hot together. Really good story.
Hansen Marks first meets Sam MacLeod when he sees him almost blow up a toaster in the college cafeteria. Hansen instantly recognizes that Sam is someone like himself -- a person with "awakened" superpowers. In Hansen's case, he can create and control fire, while Sam's powers lie with electricity. Sam is shocked when Hansen approaches him because he never realized there were others out there with powers too. Unlike Hansen who grew up in a family of awakened, Sam was adopted and never met anyone else like himself. His power is strong, but still not totally within his control.
A few years later we find Sam and Hansen as best friends and roommates. But although Sam appears to see Hansen as just a friend, Hansen is totally into Sam. He has been crushing hard since college, but he understands that things aren't going to happen between them. Sam has a girlfriend after all (despite the fact that things between them are fizzling fast). Yet that doesn't keep Hansen from lusting after him, especially when Sam walks around the house in only his underwear.
Sam is still periodically frying electrical appliances as he figures out how to keep his abilities in check. His power is strong and when his emotions are high they sometimes get out of his control. One night he accidentally starts an electrical fire, and fortunately Hansen is right there to put it out. But others see them and suddenly the men risk exposure for their abilities, something Hansen especially knows can lead to trouble.
As the guys are dealing with this, things in their relationship are heating up as well. Hansen finally confirms to Sam that he is gay, and Sam admits he has been attracted to Hansen all along. And when Sam breaks up with his girlfriend, the guys take their first steps toward a relationship together. Although Hansen worries a bit about whether this is what Sam really wants, Sam reassures him that these feeling are not new. Now the guys just need to figure out whether they can make things work between them while dealing with threats of exposure and Sam's lack of control over his powers.
I really liked Equilibrium and getting to know Sam and Hansen. I especially enjoyed the contrast between the guys in terms of their backgrounds. Having grown up in an awakened family, these things are second nature to Hansen. He has trained to use his powers for years and comes from a family of people who know and understand him. Sam, on the other hand, just suddenly woke up one day sparking electricity and having no idea what was going on. Although he is close with his family, he had no one to help him deal with his powers until Hansen and has felt alone in many ways. Hansen is able to give him a sense of community and make him feel less isolated. Sam says at one point that Hansen has saved his life, helping him figure things out and feel less scared or like a freak. We get the story from Hanson's POV, which allows us to watch Sam as he grows in his power, control, and self-confidence.
I also liked the way things work out with Sam's girlfriend Nessa. Although both Sam and Nessa behave badly during the breakup, they are able to work things out over the course of the book and remain friends, and even confidants. Both end up in a better place than they were when they were together. I really appreciated seeing them work through their mistakes rather than relegating Nessa to the "bitchy ex-girlfriend" role that is all too common in m/m romance. We can understand her point of view and both of them move forward to better things after their break up.
The title of the story refers to Nash Equilibrium, a game theory that deals with figuring out people's self interests as a way to determine their behavior and your own best actions. At least I think that's the gist of it. I will admit that despite careful reading, this did go a bit over my head. It comes up primarily regarding Hansen's concerns about whether Sam is really serious about a relationship with him, especially since he has only seen him with women prior to the two of them dating.
Which leads me to my other small issue, which is I was a bit confused about Hansen. As readers we know he is gay from the start, but I had trouble understanding if he is out before he and Sam begin dating. It seemed odd that if Hansen was out that Sam would have no idea when the two are such close friends. By the end of the book it is clear that Hansen's family knew he is gay, so I assume he was partially out at least? But maybe only to them? In reality, this doesn't really matter to the story, but I did find it confusing.
Overall I really enjoyed Equilibrium. I loved the contrast between Sam and Hansen and the mixture of strength and vulnerability that they each had. The book nicely blends the various plot points of Sam learning his powers, combined with the guys facing threats of exposure, along with the building of the relationship between them. Sam and Hansen were both great characters and very hot together. Really good story.
October 1, 2021
tthis was cute.. it was interesting and curious.. some spots were odd and and curious.. but overall it was really good. i am excited to read the next one.
October 2, 2021
Equilibrium is the first book in the Superpowered Love series by Katey Hawthorne. This was my first read by this author and I liked it. This book is about Hansen and Sam, best friends who bonded over their secret superpowers. I liked their story. It was well written.
November 16, 2022
This is a nice story of two guys meeting in college and bonding over their shared paranormal powers. Hansen is an old pro at harnessing his talents. Sam came into his powers later in life without anyone to guide him. Sam has a tendency to short circuit appliances and computers. When Sam accidentally sparks a jukebox at their local bar and Hansen helps tamp down the flames. This is when things take a twist. I enjoyed watching the two of them sort out the issue and their feelings.
February 20, 2013
This may very well be just my personal issues, having grown up with superhero stories, but I see "superpowers" in a blurb and I just automatically imagine the superpowered trying to use their abilites to help people. So when that wasn't at all what this story was about, I was more than a little taken aback.
The whole tone of this was just so very much different from what I had anticipated. Ominous and angsty and rather frustrating at times, as opposed to the light-hearted super-powers story I'd expected. Hansen keeps not only his abilities secret from everyone but Sam, but he also keeps his sexuality secret--from everyone. And then even once Sam figures out Hansen is gay, Hansen does his best to keep his feelings from Sam.
Sam, though. Sam saves the story. He is so sweet and so brave and so patient. What he did to call Hansen out on the attraction he'd felt earlier that day was amazing. And how persistent he was in not letting Hansen shut him out was beautiful.
Once I accepted that this story wasn't going to be what I thought it was, I was able to relax and enjoy it for what it really was. The relationship between Hansen and Sam, once Hansen stopped trying to talk his way out of it, was lovely and very worth the read. (The superhero-nerd in me, though, can't help but wish I'd gotten to see more awesome super-power wielding. :P)
Favorite Quotes:
He was a good roommate and a better friend. He only got on my nerves when I needed to concentrate and he needed to be naked.
"But I was really lucky it happened now, because ... because I just needed to know that someone--that you could still love me when I--even when I was fucking up the whole world."
The whole tone of this was just so very much different from what I had anticipated. Ominous and angsty and rather frustrating at times, as opposed to the light-hearted super-powers story I'd expected. Hansen keeps not only his abilities secret from everyone but Sam, but he also keeps his sexuality secret--from everyone. And then even once Sam figures out Hansen is gay, Hansen does his best to keep his feelings from Sam.
Sam, though. Sam saves the story. He is so sweet and so brave and so patient. What he did to call Hansen out on the attraction he'd felt earlier that day was amazing. And how persistent he was in not letting Hansen shut him out was beautiful.
Once I accepted that this story wasn't going to be what I thought it was, I was able to relax and enjoy it for what it really was. The relationship between Hansen and Sam, once Hansen stopped trying to talk his way out of it, was lovely and very worth the read. (The superhero-nerd in me, though, can't help but wish I'd gotten to see more awesome super-power wielding. :P)
Favorite Quotes:
He was a good roommate and a better friend. He only got on my nerves when I needed to concentrate and he needed to be naked.
"But I was really lucky it happened now, because ... because I just needed to know that someone--that you could still love me when I--even when I was fucking up the whole world."
April 23, 2015
Grabbing a book this small, a reader can easily shelf it for a good month or two, if they are unwise to the glory of Katey Hawthorne. While the book is an absolutely amazing book to read on a cold day, wet day, boring day, it deserves to be read aside, as well.
The tension and panic of the characters grips you and pierces you, carrying you along for Sam and Hansen's wild ride. Unlike many erotica books, you actually really care what becomes of these two characters and, unlike a lot of women writing gay erotic fiction, she understands that they're both men. The emotions come hard, ahve to be read into, aren't as splayed out as they would be in a straight relationship. It's masterful, and along with her fantastic characters and the backdrop of the superpowered (awakened) world and the expert understanding of college-age dialogue, Hawthorne manages a rare thing:
She makes you want to read the rest of her work (which I do reccomend). Every author wants that, and she has it, so kudos to her.
If I had to complain, there are a few things (of course, when reading these, one must consider that this is a first book.). The more intimate scenes, on ocassion, seem to falter, are sort of interchangable at times (though not every time, by any means). It's also a little confusing as to who is speaking, at times, which is a risk any writer runs using fixed first-person POV.
Would I reccomend it? You bet your bonnet. It's a nice, light read. You chuckle, you get a little prickle behind your eyes, and you come away three hours after starting knowing you've read a good book, and with a romantic hopefulness.
The tension and panic of the characters grips you and pierces you, carrying you along for Sam and Hansen's wild ride. Unlike many erotica books, you actually really care what becomes of these two characters and, unlike a lot of women writing gay erotic fiction, she understands that they're both men. The emotions come hard, ahve to be read into, aren't as splayed out as they would be in a straight relationship. It's masterful, and along with her fantastic characters and the backdrop of the superpowered (awakened) world and the expert understanding of college-age dialogue, Hawthorne manages a rare thing:
She makes you want to read the rest of her work (which I do reccomend). Every author wants that, and she has it, so kudos to her.
If I had to complain, there are a few things (of course, when reading these, one must consider that this is a first book.). The more intimate scenes, on ocassion, seem to falter, are sort of interchangable at times (though not every time, by any means). It's also a little confusing as to who is speaking, at times, which is a risk any writer runs using fixed first-person POV.
Would I reccomend it? You bet your bonnet. It's a nice, light read. You chuckle, you get a little prickle behind your eyes, and you come away three hours after starting knowing you've read a good book, and with a romantic hopefulness.
March 5, 2015
4.25 Stars
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
I was eager to read Equilibrium for two reasons: First, I had read book three in the series, Nobody’s Hero, accidentally out of order, and enjoyed it. Secondly, I am making my way through the authors attending this year’s GayRomLit Retreat and Katey Hawthorne is on that list. I was pleased to find Equilibrium did not disappoint!
Sam was adorable, and it was sad to think of the struggle he went through before he met Hansen. I liked how Hansen handled all the situations thrown at him and kept his “cool”. Together they were hot, even if it took Hansen awhile to believe Sam was not just experimenting with him. By the end, they reached “equilibrium” nicely.
I also appreciated that this novella was well edited. I found no errors that I could recall and everything flowed smoothly. In the end, the only thing holding it back from a 5 star rating is that I never felt that “spark”. It was good, really, really enjoyable and maybe a reread is needed, but in the end I did not have the necessary connection for it to be amazing.
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
I was eager to read Equilibrium for two reasons: First, I had read book three in the series, Nobody’s Hero, accidentally out of order, and enjoyed it. Secondly, I am making my way through the authors attending this year’s GayRomLit Retreat and Katey Hawthorne is on that list. I was pleased to find Equilibrium did not disappoint!
Sam was adorable, and it was sad to think of the struggle he went through before he met Hansen. I liked how Hansen handled all the situations thrown at him and kept his “cool”. Together they were hot, even if it took Hansen awhile to believe Sam was not just experimenting with him. By the end, they reached “equilibrium” nicely.
I also appreciated that this novella was well edited. I found no errors that I could recall and everything flowed smoothly. In the end, the only thing holding it back from a 5 star rating is that I never felt that “spark”. It was good, really, really enjoyable and maybe a reread is needed, but in the end I did not have the necessary connection for it to be amazing.
February 5, 2017
Dinner is overrated. It‟s all about dessert. Strangely enough, this was my favorite line in the book... but there were several that were a tie for second! *grin*
Things I learned from reading this story:
soliloquize: v talk to oneself (New word for the day!)
True or False: Marietta Falls is a fictitious town in West Virgina. T
John Forbes Nash Jr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fo....
Nash Equilibrium: Nash e·qui·lib·ri·um
noun (in economics and game theory) a stable state of a system involving the interaction of different participants, in which no participant can gain by a unilateral change of strategy if the strategies of the others remain unchanged.
Even though this story was lacking in a few areas... (but, then again, most stories usually are!) I found myself entertained and somewhat curious from start to finish! I loved the paranormal aspects and liked the way the friend-to-lovers was handled, although, is it a guy thing to always want to "talk about it later"? *snort* LOL!!!
I believe this was my first story by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
Things I learned from reading this story:
soliloquize: v talk to oneself (New word for the day!)
True or False: Marietta Falls is a fictitious town in West Virgina. T
John Forbes Nash Jr. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fo....
Nash Equilibrium: Nash e·qui·lib·ri·um
noun (in economics and game theory) a stable state of a system involving the interaction of different participants, in which no participant can gain by a unilateral change of strategy if the strategies of the others remain unchanged.
Even though this story was lacking in a few areas... (but, then again, most stories usually are!) I found myself entertained and somewhat curious from start to finish! I loved the paranormal aspects and liked the way the friend-to-lovers was handled, although, is it a guy thing to always want to "talk about it later"? *snort* LOL!!!
I believe this was my first story by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!
October 24, 2018
This was really good! There is some amazing world building with really cool powers- the meet cute is absolutely wonderful! Our two MCs are at school when clueless Sam meets in the know Hansen but it’s Sam who is the jock and the popular kid – so Hansen having the upper hand is a lovely switch. This follows them throughout their lives and into exploring things sexually when it’s decided that they are more than friends.
There’s some frustrating “misunderstandings” that should go away with just some talking – but since these are two college-age-ish guys – it makes a bit of sense that they aren’t great at communication. (It’s still frustrating tho…)
I wasn’t super comfortable with Sam and the girlfriend and her family and all that transpired there. It kind of made things less authentic and more soap opera-y and I could have done without that.
Thus 4 of 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it but it did have some areas that made it a bit less than perfect.
I think I liked the original cover better - more interesting.
There’s some frustrating “misunderstandings” that should go away with just some talking – but since these are two college-age-ish guys – it makes a bit of sense that they aren’t great at communication. (It’s still frustrating tho…)
I wasn’t super comfortable with Sam and the girlfriend and her family and all that transpired there. It kind of made things less authentic and more soap opera-y and I could have done without that.
Thus 4 of 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed it but it did have some areas that made it a bit less than perfect.
I think I liked the original cover better - more interesting.
January 9, 2012
3.5 stars - I enjoyed this story and the characters. It was a nice m/m paranormal romance with a pretty interesting premise. There was so much potential to make this a truly AMAZING story, and I just wish that certain parts of the story had been developed more. For example - and without giving too much away - the trip to Hansen's parents and the whole deal with Trent could have been developed much more, and it would have been nice to have had a better understanding of the whole ordeal of what it really means to be 'awakened' and an insight into Hansen's family and his uncle Neil (who was mentioned a lot but who you never learn much about).
Sam and Hansen were really good together though, and this was a really lovely story about friends who become lovers. I'll definitely be reading book 2, since I've heard good things about that one ;)
Sam and Hansen were really good together though, and this was a really lovely story about friends who become lovers. I'll definitely be reading book 2, since I've heard good things about that one ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews