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Love Conquers All #1
A Thin Line Between Love & Hate
**The extremist group in this story is loosely based on the Westboro Baptist Church located in Topeka, Kansas.
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Josh Waylon is a prisoner in his own home, his own mind. As a member of an extreme religious group who has targeted homosexuals, Josh is forced to live the hate that the leader--his father--has poisoned them with. But Josh has a secret of his own, one which would bring him extreme pain and punishment within the group and alienate him from everyone he knows.
When the group moves to a new town—a predominately gay community—and Josh attends his new school, he feels like a sheep amidst wolves as the many gay kids within the school know exactly who he is and what his family does. Josh feels no security with his two older brothers, who expect him to suck it up and accept the persecution as a servant of God.
Brandon Nichols immediately detects the difference between Josh and his brothers, seeing deeper within the young man and the truth he is hiding, desperate not to be found out. Brandon believes his calling is to help bridge the gap between the gays and Christians in his school, but he has his work cut out for him with Josh Waylon and the extremist group that has him locked down—emotionally, spiritually...and sexually.
TRIGGER WARNING: Book contains depictions of abuse that may be triggers for some readers.
WARNING: Book contains strong language and M/M sexual scenes.
________________________________
Josh Waylon is a prisoner in his own home, his own mind. As a member of an extreme religious group who has targeted homosexuals, Josh is forced to live the hate that the leader--his father--has poisoned them with. But Josh has a secret of his own, one which would bring him extreme pain and punishment within the group and alienate him from everyone he knows.
When the group moves to a new town—a predominately gay community—and Josh attends his new school, he feels like a sheep amidst wolves as the many gay kids within the school know exactly who he is and what his family does. Josh feels no security with his two older brothers, who expect him to suck it up and accept the persecution as a servant of God.
Brandon Nichols immediately detects the difference between Josh and his brothers, seeing deeper within the young man and the truth he is hiding, desperate not to be found out. Brandon believes his calling is to help bridge the gap between the gays and Christians in his school, but he has his work cut out for him with Josh Waylon and the extremist group that has him locked down—emotionally, spiritually...and sexually.
TRIGGER WARNING: Book contains depictions of abuse that may be triggers for some readers.
WARNING: Book contains strong language and M/M sexual scenes.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2018
20 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Snead
118 books309 followersAuthor also writes the Phoenix Club series and Cowboy Gangster series under the pen name CJ BISHOP.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 21, 2020
RAGE HAS NEVER TASTED SWEETER!
My hat must be trailing on the ground by now, after all those times I took it off for this author.
WOW! Just, WOW! This story rendered me speechless.
Why can't I write a proper review when a book impresses me? It's when I have the most to say that I find myself stumbling behind my words. If I had my ideas ordered and sorted out when I was deeply immersed in the story, they flew out of the window with the ending. Right now, I just have one thing to say: WHEN WILL THE SEQUEL COME OUT? I CAN'T WAIT! Seriously, I regret bitterly having read this book now, I am not the patient kind. I don't like waiting for the follow-up. Yet, I have to... *screams inwardly*
I won't try to sell you this book because no words could express all the feelings this story instilled deep in my heart. It's a book that sells itself. Once you start it, you won't be able to put it down until the very end, and even by then, you will just feel the way I feel now, upset that the sequel isn't out yet. I read this book in two days (more or less) despite my tight schedule, even taken in with me to work, because I just couldn't wait to get home to know what happens next. Obsessed with it? Very much!
I won't say anything about the story (I don't like summaries anyway) but expect this book to haunt you for days and the characters to charm you and touch you in so many ways. When you aren't drawn to them emotionally with both compassion and understanding, you will probably be disgusted by a few of them psychologically and wish to throttle them for real. As I said it in the headline, rage has never felt sweeter than with this book. The emotional side was so realistically developed that it got me worked up in the most ridiculous of ways. One can't be infuriated by imaginary characters to the point of wanting to strangle them, yet this is exactly what I felt as soon as Abraham, George and Harlan were introduced. I wanted to kick Peter's butt some times as well, but he's another kind of case. Brandon and Josh are for sure adorable, but, somehow, I liked Cooper more. And like everyone, I want to read more, much more, about Uriah. Elijah as well. I can't wait to discover Jordan in the sequel, I have a good idea about his story and I can't help but rub my hands together in anticipation.
The girls of the group? Clinical cases, all of them!
I rate this book 5 stars for two or three reasons. Firstly, the story is worth it. I have only once rated a book that wasn't a standalone more than 3 stars (rated it 4 stars) because I consider that only a standalone can pretend to the perfect mark, but A Thin Line Between Love & Hate is truly worth it. The second reason I give it the 5 stars rating is because I read this author for several years now and she did never disappoint me, I know that the sequel will be as good as this prequel, if not better. I rated both Made To Be Broken and Change of Heart 4 stars when they deserved 5 stars, and rated 3 stars both Lost in Love and Micah's Miracle. I've always found something to complain about. I think it's time I let go of my stinginess and give an author I highly regard the rating she deserves. So, 5 stars!
My hat must be trailing on the ground by now, after all those times I took it off for this author.
WOW! Just, WOW! This story rendered me speechless.
Why can't I write a proper review when a book impresses me? It's when I have the most to say that I find myself stumbling behind my words. If I had my ideas ordered and sorted out when I was deeply immersed in the story, they flew out of the window with the ending. Right now, I just have one thing to say: WHEN WILL THE SEQUEL COME OUT? I CAN'T WAIT! Seriously, I regret bitterly having read this book now, I am not the patient kind. I don't like waiting for the follow-up. Yet, I have to... *screams inwardly*
I won't try to sell you this book because no words could express all the feelings this story instilled deep in my heart. It's a book that sells itself. Once you start it, you won't be able to put it down until the very end, and even by then, you will just feel the way I feel now, upset that the sequel isn't out yet. I read this book in two days (more or less) despite my tight schedule, even taken in with me to work, because I just couldn't wait to get home to know what happens next. Obsessed with it? Very much!
I won't say anything about the story (I don't like summaries anyway) but expect this book to haunt you for days and the characters to charm you and touch you in so many ways. When you aren't drawn to them emotionally with both compassion and understanding, you will probably be disgusted by a few of them psychologically and wish to throttle them for real. As I said it in the headline, rage has never felt sweeter than with this book. The emotional side was so realistically developed that it got me worked up in the most ridiculous of ways. One can't be infuriated by imaginary characters to the point of wanting to strangle them, yet this is exactly what I felt as soon as Abraham, George and Harlan were introduced. I wanted to kick Peter's butt some times as well, but he's another kind of case. Brandon and Josh are for sure adorable, but, somehow, I liked Cooper more. And like everyone, I want to read more, much more, about Uriah. Elijah as well. I can't wait to discover Jordan in the sequel, I have a good idea about his story and I can't help but rub my hands together in anticipation.
The girls of the group? Clinical cases, all of them!
I rate this book 5 stars for two or three reasons. Firstly, the story is worth it. I have only once rated a book that wasn't a standalone more than 3 stars (rated it 4 stars) because I consider that only a standalone can pretend to the perfect mark, but A Thin Line Between Love & Hate is truly worth it. The second reason I give it the 5 stars rating is because I read this author for several years now and she did never disappoint me, I know that the sequel will be as good as this prequel, if not better. I rated both Made To Be Broken and Change of Heart 4 stars when they deserved 5 stars, and rated 3 stars both Lost in Love and Micah's Miracle. I've always found something to complain about. I think it's time I let go of my stinginess and give an author I highly regard the rating she deserves. So, 5 stars!
September 1, 2019
I first fell in love with this author when I read 'Made to be Broken' series on Wattpad. I thought that it could not get better than that but 'A thin line...' has made me reconsider that statement.
I had always been morbidly fascinated by religious fanaticism and the paths those people choose to follow in their fight for what they think is right, and the way they can do almost anything they want as they hide behind religious freedoms, which 'A Thin Line...' describes perfectly.
This book also shines a light on the way those who are considered sinners in the eyes of their God are treated, which is something that is hard to represent without the risk of sounding over the top or outrages.
A. M. Snead manages to present a beautiful love story, with a healthy dose of reality and the struggles that gay men and women fight every day in hostile environments where they are forced to hide who they are in order to survive.
Amazing work and looking forward to the next part of the series!
I had always been morbidly fascinated by religious fanaticism and the paths those people choose to follow in their fight for what they think is right, and the way they can do almost anything they want as they hide behind religious freedoms, which 'A Thin Line...' describes perfectly.
This book also shines a light on the way those who are considered sinners in the eyes of their God are treated, which is something that is hard to represent without the risk of sounding over the top or outrages.
A. M. Snead manages to present a beautiful love story, with a healthy dose of reality and the struggles that gay men and women fight every day in hostile environments where they are forced to hide who they are in order to survive.
Amazing work and looking forward to the next part of the series!
January 4, 2019
Spiritually Moving
I literally stayed up all night to finish this story. I’m speechless. It is so incredibly spiritually moving and has inspired my love of the Lord and His unconditional love and forgiveness and compassion all over again. I cannot wait to read the updated versions of this as well as the third book. This story simply cannot end with Uriah being stuck there with his hateful father. And I’m dying to know if Peter is really an ally or foe. So many plots I’m eagerly anticipating the release.
I literally stayed up all night to finish this story. I’m speechless. It is so incredibly spiritually moving and has inspired my love of the Lord and His unconditional love and forgiveness and compassion all over again. I cannot wait to read the updated versions of this as well as the third book. This story simply cannot end with Uriah being stuck there with his hateful father. And I’m dying to know if Peter is really an ally or foe. So many plots I’m eagerly anticipating the release.
January 2, 2019
A shot through the heart (ARC Review)
I read Alot of books but this one has jumped to the front as my favorite. There's no glossing over the hard issues with these young men. A. M. Snead let her guys shine through in a way very few can. You can feel the love and hopeless pouring out of them. I gave this five stars only because I couldn't give more.
I'd recommend this book to anyone even the non-readers🙄 I know. This just shows how powerful faith and love can be, while showing that sometimes the choices made are hard but ours to make.
I read Alot of books but this one has jumped to the front as my favorite. There's no glossing over the hard issues with these young men. A. M. Snead let her guys shine through in a way very few can. You can feel the love and hopeless pouring out of them. I gave this five stars only because I couldn't give more.
I'd recommend this book to anyone even the non-readers🙄 I know. This just shows how powerful faith and love can be, while showing that sometimes the choices made are hard but ours to make.
January 8, 2019
Incredibly heartbreaking
Warning this is a tough subject to read about. But once you start reading you will not want to put it down. CJ Bishop wrote a incredibly heartbreaking story of abuse, hate but mostly about hope and love . You will be moved and freaked out how much hate there is and will pray for all those who really have gone thru the hate. This may be a fictional story but it will break your heart and give you hope and make sure you have tissues . I am looking forward to book 2,. I have my tissues ready
Warning this is a tough subject to read about. But once you start reading you will not want to put it down. CJ Bishop wrote a incredibly heartbreaking story of abuse, hate but mostly about hope and love . You will be moved and freaked out how much hate there is and will pray for all those who really have gone thru the hate. This may be a fictional story but it will break your heart and give you hope and make sure you have tissues . I am looking forward to book 2,. I have my tissues ready
January 24, 2019
This is a wonderful story.
This is a very complex story involving Christianity and false prophets of hatred. I know this must have been a hard story to tell but it was absolutely done well. What is so hard to think about is there are cults out there that say they are Christians but vomit hate to the LGTBQ community and I'm sure there are gay children involved in these situations. My heart goes out to those kids who have to endure God knows what. This was a story that needed to be told and I can't wait for number two.
This is a very complex story involving Christianity and false prophets of hatred. I know this must have been a hard story to tell but it was absolutely done well. What is so hard to think about is there are cults out there that say they are Christians but vomit hate to the LGTBQ community and I'm sure there are gay children involved in these situations. My heart goes out to those kids who have to endure God knows what. This was a story that needed to be told and I can't wait for number two.
February 24, 2021
Gripping story
Well another great book, had me gripped from the start. Im not religious and dont understand all the situations, but then again im not gay either. The story had me wanting to read on and not put the book down. Characters are clear and you feel a connection to them. Lots of side stories im sure that will come clear. The story line is strong and doesn't waiver in the middle stays strong throughout. Only down side is having to wait for revision ( which i will read) and next instalment.
Well another great book, had me gripped from the start. Im not religious and dont understand all the situations, but then again im not gay either. The story had me wanting to read on and not put the book down. Characters are clear and you feel a connection to them. Lots of side stories im sure that will come clear. The story line is strong and doesn't waiver in the middle stays strong throughout. Only down side is having to wait for revision ( which i will read) and next instalment.
February 26, 2019
Emotional and Exceptional
Oh my goodness! This book was absolutely amazing and so well written. This story is personal for me. It's an extremely emotional and gut wrenching story. My blood pressure was up during this entire story. There are however; very beautiful and intimate moments as truths, friendships and hope is found. A must read. I can't wait to read the next book(s) in this amazing series. Well done A.M. Snead.
Oh my goodness! This book was absolutely amazing and so well written. This story is personal for me. It's an extremely emotional and gut wrenching story. My blood pressure was up during this entire story. There are however; very beautiful and intimate moments as truths, friendships and hope is found. A must read. I can't wait to read the next book(s) in this amazing series. Well done A.M. Snead.
January 11, 2019
A must read
The storyline didn't grab my attention the first chapter. As I continued reading, I got more into it. Before I knew it I was totally engrossed and found myself crying. Crying for what these three brothers were forced to endure. I look forward to reading Uriah's story.
The storyline didn't grab my attention the first chapter. As I continued reading, I got more into it. Before I knew it I was totally engrossed and found myself crying. Crying for what these three brothers were forced to endure. I look forward to reading Uriah's story.
January 14, 2019
So much love and hate!
I can't wait or the next book! Was such a struggle to love when their was so much hate drilled into their heads from birth! But love always wins in the end. Such a shame what they have to go through to get to that point.
I can't wait or the next book! Was such a struggle to love when their was so much hate drilled into their heads from birth! But love always wins in the end. Such a shame what they have to go through to get to that point.
October 26, 2024
Powerful story
So…. I did sort of enjoy this book and because of the overall story I gave it 4 stars. I read it all in one go which isn’t out of the ordinary for me, however I did breeze through the religious bits - I wasn’t keen on the constant praying and quoting of the bible. And in what planet could the entire plot take place in only a week!!! Yes it is possible to fall in love that quickly but when you throw in everything else that happened it all got a bit unrealistic. In all honesty the actual plot would not have been effected at all if this was played out over a longer period, in fact it would have seemed more realistic. Saying all that I am really keen for the next book - hopefully we may get past week 1 and into week 2!!
So…. I did sort of enjoy this book and because of the overall story I gave it 4 stars. I read it all in one go which isn’t out of the ordinary for me, however I did breeze through the religious bits - I wasn’t keen on the constant praying and quoting of the bible. And in what planet could the entire plot take place in only a week!!! Yes it is possible to fall in love that quickly but when you throw in everything else that happened it all got a bit unrealistic. In all honesty the actual plot would not have been effected at all if this was played out over a longer period, in fact it would have seemed more realistic. Saying all that I am really keen for the next book - hopefully we may get past week 1 and into week 2!!
January 30, 2022
For three or so years now, I make it a point to read this book at least twelve times a year. It is that good and it is also criminally underrated.
Each year on my date night with these character I learn something new or profound. This time I kind of understood Abraham.
The man really thinks he is God’s vessel. He really buys into his own hype and he is loving his children In the best way he knows how to.
He is evil and heartless, that much is true as well. There’s no coming back from that, the man can’t be saved. He’s not even willing to listen.
I really really need book two to come out. Uriah deserves better and Josh deserves a mega love scene.
Each year on my date night with these character I learn something new or profound. This time I kind of understood Abraham.
The man really thinks he is God’s vessel. He really buys into his own hype and he is loving his children In the best way he knows how to.
He is evil and heartless, that much is true as well. There’s no coming back from that, the man can’t be saved. He’s not even willing to listen.
I really really need book two to come out. Uriah deserves better and Josh deserves a mega love scene.
January 18, 2019
Thought Provoking
In some ways this was an extremely difficult book to read as the depth of the subject matter shattered my heart. I was raised in an ultra conservative household and many of the thoughts and actions of the boys have been my own. Time to absorb and ponder while awaiting the next installment.
In some ways this was an extremely difficult book to read as the depth of the subject matter shattered my heart. I was raised in an ultra conservative household and many of the thoughts and actions of the boys have been my own. Time to absorb and ponder while awaiting the next installment.
December 24, 2020
It’s sickening to see how much hate exist in the world due to people claiming to be true religious practitioners. Blind to see that the foundation of all religions in the world is love. Coating lines in a book as a means to an end that serve only their own purpose. Good story, which the second book was coming soon.
January 6, 2019
Heart wrenching
This book was written from the heart, keeping you in the edge of your seat hoping that it would end well for all the boys i couldn't help but cry what the boys went through
This book was written from the heart, keeping you in the edge of your seat hoping that it would end well for all the boys i couldn't help but cry what the boys went through
January 18, 2019
Love hate
It was an emotional read for me. To live with a family like that and to hide ones true self I can't wait for the revised version to come out and more on uriah and what happened to him
It was an emotional read for me. To live with a family like that and to hide ones true self I can't wait for the revised version to come out and more on uriah and what happened to him
June 10, 2022
Intense
This book was terrible and wonderful.
So well written, the harsh stories of Josh, Uriah and Elijah so well told.
My heart is shattered, my eyes red.. but I have hope and faith in their God that all will be well in the end.
This book was terrible and wonderful.
So well written, the harsh stories of Josh, Uriah and Elijah so well told.
My heart is shattered, my eyes red.. but I have hope and faith in their God that all will be well in the end.
January 18, 2019
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
January 24, 2019
What?! I have never cried like I did with this book super emotional 😭😭...when is the second book coming out?
February 17, 2019
Tear jerker
I hope there are people who find this book and are able to find love in the world despite what else they have seen.
I hope there are people who find this book and are able to find love in the world despite what else they have seen.
March 23, 2019
My heart is breaking
I cried so many times reading this book. I can't wait to read the extra scenes and books. I need to know what happens to Uriah.
I cried so many times reading this book. I can't wait to read the extra scenes and books. I need to know what happens to Uriah.
April 26, 2021
I love the Cowboy and Phoenix Series so much, but this one... I'm still waiting for a part two, because wow. Easily one of the best books I've ever read.
October 20, 2021
Amazing
Such an amazing read, I am not religious and I did not expect to love this book- but I did.
Such an amazing read, I am not religious and I did not expect to love this book- but I did.
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October 8, 2025No second book((
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews