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Spread
No names. No repeats. No feelings. With a lucrative corporate career and model good looks, Theo Rey is the image of perfection—but it’s all a mask. After a devastating loss shatters his world, Theo turns to casual sex to distract himself and numb his pain. For the first time in his life, he’s acting on his attraction to men with a slew of messy one-night stands. What was supposed to be another meaningless encounter at a bar turned into a night Theo can’t forget, with a man who sees him as more than the broken mess he believes himself to be. Masamune Kuroki is everything Theo is carefree, happy, and proud of who he is. Theo is drawn to his disarming magnetism, but doesn’t feel he deserves the happiness Masamune could bring. Fighting for control, Theo tries to not get swept up in Masamune's pace—but maybe a change of pace is exactly what he needs. *** Spread is a 110k word hurt/ comfort MM romance with a slight age gap, angst, laughs, and a HEA.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2018
19 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Serene Franklin
5 books40 followersSerene Franklin lives in Halifax (Nova Scotia, not California), but has fallen in love with Chicago through research and writing. She has a political science degree, and--more importantly--an adorable and mildly irritating Goldendoodle called Tai.
Serene currently writes contemporary MM romance, but has plans to branch out into other subgenres.
Email: sfwrites801@gmail.com
Instagram: serenity_darko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seren...
Serene currently writes contemporary MM romance, but has plans to branch out into other subgenres.
Email: sfwrites801@gmail.com
Instagram: serenity_darko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seren...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 7, 2018
Detailed described story... detailed as in mentioning the stripes on a tie.. and I loved it..!
Theo is as frozen as the cold weather outside. He liked to be fucked as hard as possible... as a punishment and only once by the same person. Until he meet Masa, a beautiful tall Japanese guy. Masa makes him feel.
A complicated story with a painful history. Bit by bit with present and past revealed we get to know how Theo became to act like he does... what should be a one night fuck gets totally out of his control when he let Masa stay over the night.
Masa my goodness Masa what a wonderful person he is, honest, vulnerable and focused on Theo. Masa is just what Theo needs and he just can’t handle it. Theo is shattered by a huge loss. And Masa is the warm glue for his broken heart.
A lot of story, a lot of hurt and thank goodness a lot of love.
Realistic story with engaging personalities. All the feelings... I felt them.. I could cry and laugh with them.
Beautiful written, very captivating, great environments and awesome developed.
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
Theo is as frozen as the cold weather outside. He liked to be fucked as hard as possible... as a punishment and only once by the same person. Until he meet Masa, a beautiful tall Japanese guy. Masa makes him feel.
A complicated story with a painful history. Bit by bit with present and past revealed we get to know how Theo became to act like he does... what should be a one night fuck gets totally out of his control when he let Masa stay over the night.
Masa my goodness Masa what a wonderful person he is, honest, vulnerable and focused on Theo. Masa is just what Theo needs and he just can’t handle it. Theo is shattered by a huge loss. And Masa is the warm glue for his broken heart.
A lot of story, a lot of hurt and thank goodness a lot of love.
Realistic story with engaging personalities. All the feelings... I felt them.. I could cry and laugh with them.
Beautiful written, very captivating, great environments and awesome developed.
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
Want to read
October 25, 2018Haven’t even read it yet but five thumbs up for the Japanese representation. Books in the M/M genre rarely have Japanese characters and now I’m kinda wondering why that is. Looking forward to reading this one!
November 6, 2018
As much as I wanted to love this book, the too much telling, the details, was killing me.
I think if the author reduced a bit of details and the telling and let us readers playing with our imagination, the book will be great. The story line was promising. I liked Masamune, but Theo was kinda irritated me. Kind of.
This is a good debut for the author. Keep on writing, and writing.
A little message from a long time reader and reviewer, please reduce the telling a little bit.
Good luck with the next book!
I think if the author reduced a bit of details and the telling and let us readers playing with our imagination, the book will be great. The story line was promising. I liked Masamune, but Theo was kinda irritated me. Kind of.
This is a good debut for the author. Keep on writing, and writing.
A little message from a long time reader and reviewer, please reduce the telling a little bit.
Good luck with the next book!
November 2, 2018
Ok so I like detailed book, but the first few chapters were VERY descriptive!
Every single detail was killing me!
Thank goodness that eased up and I finally got to really get into the story and enjoy it!
Theo was a beautiful broken man, until Masa came into his life and changed it for the better.
Two different souls that complimented each other perfectly!!
These two were sensational together! Their chemistry was sizzling. The care and the love that grew between them, you could feel in the written words.
Jamie was a hoot as a secondary character and I loved his antics!
❤️❤️❤️
Every single detail was killing me!
Thank goodness that eased up and I finally got to really get into the story and enjoy it!
Theo was a beautiful broken man, until Masa came into his life and changed it for the better.
Two different souls that complimented each other perfectly!!
These two were sensational together! Their chemistry was sizzling. The care and the love that grew between them, you could feel in the written words.
Jamie was a hoot as a secondary character and I loved his antics!
❤️❤️❤️
November 6, 2018
oh this was heartfelt and wonderful. so sweet and interesting. kept my mind interested until it was over and i was left with a book hangover lol.
November 7, 2018
I am torn when it comes to my review of Spread by Serene Franklin. I loved the storyline, the theme and the men in this romance. I absolutely enjoy the way Theo transforms as a result of Masamune's deep love for him.
However, it took me a long time to like Theo. I understand what the author was thinking in letting us see his behavior at that time. But, I found myself severely disliking him, to the point that I almost stopped reading.
As well, the writing in general was too long, too drawn out, and the pace was very slow. That again had me almost not finishing the book.
In the end, the story is beautiful, but the way it's written did not do anything for me.
However, it took me a long time to like Theo. I understand what the author was thinking in letting us see his behavior at that time. But, I found myself severely disliking him, to the point that I almost stopped reading.
As well, the writing in general was too long, too drawn out, and the pace was very slow. That again had me almost not finishing the book.
In the end, the story is beautiful, but the way it's written did not do anything for me.
November 2, 2018
I'm dead. Seriously, I had NO idea that I would be this blown away.
So many feelings.
So much patience.
So much love and caring and understanding.
So much filthy French.
After being in love with his straight best friend forever, Theo has cut ties to pretty much everyone in his life but his brother, Jamie. He spends his days working for his father in mergers and acquisitions and his nights with nameless men.
When he feels the weight of Masamune's stare at a bar, he feels like luck is on his side. But something about this interaction feels different. And Theo doesn't think he deserves anything but hurt.
Oh, man. I don't even know where to start. Taking it from the top, I was unsure when I first started reading because the writing seemed choppy to me. It was very descriptive of every single detail, which totally bugged me. It took a while for me to really get into the story because of this and the fact that it seemed looooong. But then Masa was introduced and I couldn't stop reading. I was smitten with him from the start. He was strong and sure and just so happy. And I loved how he looked at new experiences like he was a young child. Completely unabashed.
I loved the way he made Theo feel like he was worthy of happiness. Theo wasn't a very strong MC at the start and it took me a while to really respect his character, but the more he relaxed and became self aware of his relationship and feelings the more I fell in love with him. And honestly, these two MC's have literally become some of my very favorites.
Theo's brother Jamie was also a hidden gem. He was so gracious and his love for his brother was so deep and unconditional and it translated into a deep love for Masa, which was just everything.
Like I said, it was slow to start but definitely worth the wait. I loved it so much and I'm positive I'll end up reading it over and over. I can't wait to see more from Serene Franklin in the future.
*A galley copy of this book was generously supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. Will be cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *
So many feelings.
So much patience.
So much love and caring and understanding.
So much filthy French.
After being in love with his straight best friend forever, Theo has cut ties to pretty much everyone in his life but his brother, Jamie. He spends his days working for his father in mergers and acquisitions and his nights with nameless men.
When he feels the weight of Masamune's stare at a bar, he feels like luck is on his side. But something about this interaction feels different. And Theo doesn't think he deserves anything but hurt.
Oh, man. I don't even know where to start. Taking it from the top, I was unsure when I first started reading because the writing seemed choppy to me. It was very descriptive of every single detail, which totally bugged me. It took a while for me to really get into the story because of this and the fact that it seemed looooong. But then Masa was introduced and I couldn't stop reading. I was smitten with him from the start. He was strong and sure and just so happy. And I loved how he looked at new experiences like he was a young child. Completely unabashed.
I loved the way he made Theo feel like he was worthy of happiness. Theo wasn't a very strong MC at the start and it took me a while to really respect his character, but the more he relaxed and became self aware of his relationship and feelings the more I fell in love with him. And honestly, these two MC's have literally become some of my very favorites.
Theo's brother Jamie was also a hidden gem. He was so gracious and his love for his brother was so deep and unconditional and it translated into a deep love for Masa, which was just everything.
Like I said, it was slow to start but definitely worth the wait. I loved it so much and I'm positive I'll end up reading it over and over. I can't wait to see more from Serene Franklin in the future.
*A galley copy of this book was generously supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. Will be cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *
November 8, 2018
There is a lot to love about this book and I really enjoyed it. It is pretty slow in the beginning and has way too many details but as the story progresses the writing gets better and by the end I was totally engaged. There is a lot of angst and the author does a great job dealing with some very difficult issues. I love Theo, flaws and all, he is broken by the loss of his best friend but he is doing the best that he can to continue on. Masa is absolutely amazing and his patience and caring is exactly what Theo needs. My favorite part of this book is how Masa says exactly what he is thinking and that he teaches Theo how to communicate openly and honestly with him. Their biggest obstacle is Theo himself as his anguish over his loss and his fear of coming out to his father make him retreat into himself. Theo will need all of Masa's compassion and love to help him move forward. I love the secondary characters and how much Jamie and Leah love and support Theo. Overall this is a great story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 30, 2018
I absolutely loved it 💖
I don't want give any spoilers so I'll just say that this was an intense emotion filled story. The characters were complex and engaging, Theo was in such a bad place when he met Masa. The author did an amazing job with Masa, he could have easily been a very pushy character but he wasn't he was just there for Theo. It was a joy seeing Theo come alive in Masa's presence. Theo's brother Jamie was another great character (although I did fear for his liver 🙄), he gave Theo a lot of crap but he really wanted the best for him. All in all an intensely enjoyable read.
I don't want give any spoilers so I'll just say that this was an intense emotion filled story. The characters were complex and engaging, Theo was in such a bad place when he met Masa. The author did an amazing job with Masa, he could have easily been a very pushy character but he wasn't he was just there for Theo. It was a joy seeing Theo come alive in Masa's presence. Theo's brother Jamie was another great character (although I did fear for his liver 🙄), he gave Theo a lot of crap but he really wanted the best for him. All in all an intensely enjoyable read.
December 2, 2018
Moving on...
Falling in love after a heartbreaking loss is especially difficult when no one knows you're gay. Finding acceptance from certain family members and work associate helps but nothing is as healing as a lover who listens and allows you to move forward at your own pace.
A truly beautiful story with so much romance!
I loved it!
Falling in love after a heartbreaking loss is especially difficult when no one knows you're gay. Finding acceptance from certain family members and work associate helps but nothing is as healing as a lover who listens and allows you to move forward at your own pace.
A truly beautiful story with so much romance!
I loved it!
April 15, 2019
Good but tissues needed
I cried several times while reading this. Theo's story is one of grief and was often heartbreaking. I love the ending. Without delving into spoilers, I like that Theo isn't magically "fixed" but still working on his issues.
I cried several times while reading this. Theo's story is one of grief and was often heartbreaking. I love the ending. Without delving into spoilers, I like that Theo isn't magically "fixed" but still working on his issues.
November 8, 2018
Nice
This book was a great read. The characters were well developed, the storyline was properly developed, and the sex scenes were hot.
This book was a great read. The characters were well developed, the storyline was properly developed, and the sex scenes were hot.
Read
January 14, 2019** This book was written by one of my best friends.
This was a warm and welcoming introduction to the gay romance genre—a genre of books I have never before experienced. :)
This was a warm and welcoming introduction to the gay romance genre—a genre of books I have never before experienced. :)
November 13, 2018
Started out a lot stronger than it finished. The author needs to learn 2 things: how to write dialogue (preferably so that the people talking don't all sound the same) and how time works (it's November, Theo takes the rest of the month off, it's Thanksgiving, a few weeks pass, it's still November, a few weeks pass, it's nowhere near Christmas, etc.). Oh and if the author could actually follow through on the characters, that would be great too (how did Theo end up working for his father when he swore he never would? What did Isaac do for a living? What happened to M's relatives?)
November 13, 2018
DNF. I only got about 20 pages into this, but between the flashbacks (which fir some reason are written in 1st POV while the rest is in 3rd), everything being completely over-described, and parents who already seem like they will be annoying and meddlesome... I just don't think thus is for me
December 19, 2018
This was an odd read. The whole time I felt like it was building up to something, but it never did. I was left feeling... Unsatisfied.
June 15, 2019
Wow this book is good. It is descriptive and an in depth slow start but once it gets going it heats up nicely. These two are such opposites, Theo was uptight and believed that he was unworthy of love in the beginning until he meets Masa as he is joy, strength and so happy making Them look at every experience through fresh eyes.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well written, my favourite was not one of the MC's it was Theo's brother Jamie, I would love to see him get his own story.
A slow starting, emotionally rich read, well worth it.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well written, my favourite was not one of the MC's it was Theo's brother Jamie, I would love to see him get his own story.
A slow starting, emotionally rich read, well worth it.
Read
March 18, 2019I tried but damn, I love details, but this was way too much detail. I couldn’t get past 2%. Going to try the next book hopefully not more of the same.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews