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Helix: NULL
When high school student James has trouble with his truck, Dylan, who is studying to be a mechanic, comes to the rescue. James thinks he hides his immediate attraction well, but is happy to be wrong when Dylan asks for his number. Since James is new to romance, they take things slowly, and because Dylan is in college, James keeps the budding relationship secret from his overprotective dad.
Across town, Mark, a teacher and single father to James and his sister, Frankie, meets Steve at a bar for what both believe will be a quick hookup. Mark doesn’t see any reason to tell his kids about Steve or press Steve for details about Steve’s adopted son…. It’s just sex between them. Isn’t it?
Two very different love stories grow side by side, each hidden from the other. But all of that changes at a family barbecue, when Mark decides it’s time for his kids to meet Steve and for him to meet James’s boyfriend, who none of them realize is Steve’s son, Dylan. The inevitable explosion means the two couples have some explaining to do to soothe the hurt feelings of their families—and lovers.
Across town, Mark, a teacher and single father to James and his sister, Frankie, meets Steve at a bar for what both believe will be a quick hookup. Mark doesn’t see any reason to tell his kids about Steve or press Steve for details about Steve’s adopted son…. It’s just sex between them. Isn’t it?
Two very different love stories grow side by side, each hidden from the other. But all of that changes at a family barbecue, when Mark decides it’s time for his kids to meet Steve and for him to meet James’s boyfriend, who none of them realize is Steve’s son, Dylan. The inevitable explosion means the two couples have some explaining to do to soothe the hurt feelings of their families—and lovers.
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2019
8 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books478 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 2, 2019
As much as I'd looked forward to reading this book, it sadly didn't work as well for me as I'd hoped it would. : (
The first parts of the story I enjoyed, where 18 y.o. James met 20 y.o. Dylan and they stumbled around one another in sort of an adorable, dazed dance of attraction.
We also met James' 45 y.o., science teacher dad, Mark, and Dylan's 39 y.o. adoptive father, Steve, as they first screwed their brains out (in an *open* public toilet stall in a bar, yikes), then decided to try dating afterward.
I much preferred the younger couple's slow-burn approach to their attraction to the dads' fucking like bunnies method, which felt sort of sleazy to me. Just, the way it was written, that's how it made me feel, sorry.
I was much more invested in James and Dylan's relationship, feeling almost nothing at all toward the possibility of growing feels between the dads.
By the half-way point of the story, the pacing of the story also left me feeling a huge case of the blahs, which I think was partially due to James and Dylan's scheduling conflicts, forcing them to go a week at a time (or more) without seeing one another.
The romantic in me *loves* seeing when newly-in-love MC's, especially "first love" couples, practically living out of one another's pockets, or close to it. This didn't feel like that, so I found myself slightly bored and longing for more face-to-face time between the MC's.
In spite of the relatively-short separations, I did still buy into the feelings between James and Dylan, but never truly invested in the feels between the dads, who seemed much more casual about the whole romance thing -- even as the epilogue concluded.
With my lack of feels toward the dads, I found myself skimming over their steamy scenes, in stark contrast to the scenes between James and Dylan, as the virginal James experienced several thrilling, sexy (and somewhat scary) first times.
I'm sure many readers will absolutely adore all aspects of this story, but I tend to be a moody reader and my last read contained four MC's that I absolutely adored, each as much as the others, so not really connecting with the second couple here, I'm pretty sure that affected my overall enjoyment.
I'd rate this one at around 3 stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
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February 19, 2019
3.5*
I'm firmly in the middle on this one. I loved James and Dylan's first love "finding their way" relationship, even with the strange gaps where they didn't see each other for days or weeks.
But the adult relationship between their dads just never seemed to have the same level of investment given to it to develop the narrative.
Steve and Mark started as a second time hook up, with a hint of kinky voyeurism, and then out of nowhere really imho, began talking about a relationship.
There were odd time jumps too, where not much seemed to have happened as the weeks moved on, and I though the big dramatic moment really didn't justify the outcome.
Plus, it was all resolved super quick and a lot of it happened off page for the adult pairing. Even the epilogue didn't really bring a greater sense of a HEA for Mark and Steve, although I firmly believe Dylan and James will have one.
Also, bizarrely for me, I had a weird sense of deja vu at part of the plotline involving Dylan's past, as if I'd read this element of the story before, which threw me off stride momentarily.
Still, there are some lovely moments too, Dylan is a wonderfully kind and considerate boyfriend and lover and his feelings for James were utterly convincing.
I also loved James' twin sister Frankie and Steve's friends Carl and Brian and the small town vibe worked well.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I'm firmly in the middle on this one. I loved James and Dylan's first love "finding their way" relationship, even with the strange gaps where they didn't see each other for days or weeks.
But the adult relationship between their dads just never seemed to have the same level of investment given to it to develop the narrative.
Steve and Mark started as a second time hook up, with a hint of kinky voyeurism, and then out of nowhere really imho, began talking about a relationship.
There were odd time jumps too, where not much seemed to have happened as the weeks moved on, and I though the big dramatic moment really didn't justify the outcome.
Plus, it was all resolved super quick and a lot of it happened off page for the adult pairing. Even the epilogue didn't really bring a greater sense of a HEA for Mark and Steve, although I firmly believe Dylan and James will have one.
Also, bizarrely for me, I had a weird sense of deja vu at part of the plotline involving Dylan's past, as if I'd read this element of the story before, which threw me off stride momentarily.
Still, there are some lovely moments too, Dylan is a wonderfully kind and considerate boyfriend and lover and his feelings for James were utterly convincing.
I also loved James' twin sister Frankie and Steve's friends Carl and Brian and the small town vibe worked well.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 1, 2019
I'm afraid this fell short of my expectations.
I couldn't connect, had a hard time with the dialogue, and honestly....struggled to finish.
I wanted to like it but my face scowled, frowned, and held a pained smile at best.
*2.5 stars*
**note: for those interested...this as definitely YA/coming of age with a weird parental twist
I couldn't connect, had a hard time with the dialogue, and honestly....struggled to finish.
I wanted to like it but my face scowled, frowned, and held a pained smile at best.
*2.5 stars*
**note: for those interested...this as definitely YA/coming of age with a weird parental twist
February 27, 2019
What a lovely story this was. A read that looks on first sight a light, comfortable fluffy story.
At some point it was, only it was more than that. The further in the story the more complicated it became.
We are witness of not one but two love stories, running parallel. The people involved are not aware of it. We as reader can see the train come and crash.
James his auto broke down and a handsome student mechanics is helping him out. James always a bit of a lonesome guy and always feeling a bit awkward, finds somewhere the nerve to ask Dylan the mechanic out. Dylan finds James more than endearing and they start a relationship. With two years difference Dylan is twenty and James eighteen and they just fit.
Steve studied Mark who was playing pool, and when he was heading to the bar Steve took his chance. The talked about their kids. Steve has a twenty year old adopted son and Mark a twin, boy and girl of eighteen years. Not long after that you could find them in the bathroom stall, Mark nailing Steve against the wall. After that evening they want to hook up again.
The feelings between Dylan and James are getting stronger and stronger.
The feelings Steve and Mark develop are at a point they want to meet each other’s children.
You can feel the storm hanging.
The further i came in this novel, the more involved I became with all the men. They are good developed and the different between the older and the younger couple was so palpable and well put down, they felt real and acceptable.
The story was sexy at times, sweet at times and complicated at times. The whole package was convincing, honest and felt natural.
I loved this story!
Read and reviewed for Signal Boost Review Team.
At some point it was, only it was more than that. The further in the story the more complicated it became.
We are witness of not one but two love stories, running parallel. The people involved are not aware of it. We as reader can see the train come and crash.
James his auto broke down and a handsome student mechanics is helping him out. James always a bit of a lonesome guy and always feeling a bit awkward, finds somewhere the nerve to ask Dylan the mechanic out. Dylan finds James more than endearing and they start a relationship. With two years difference Dylan is twenty and James eighteen and they just fit.
Steve studied Mark who was playing pool, and when he was heading to the bar Steve took his chance. The talked about their kids. Steve has a twenty year old adopted son and Mark a twin, boy and girl of eighteen years. Not long after that you could find them in the bathroom stall, Mark nailing Steve against the wall. After that evening they want to hook up again.
The feelings between Dylan and James are getting stronger and stronger.
The feelings Steve and Mark develop are at a point they want to meet each other’s children.
You can feel the storm hanging.
The further i came in this novel, the more involved I became with all the men. They are good developed and the different between the older and the younger couple was so palpable and well put down, they felt real and acceptable.
The story was sexy at times, sweet at times and complicated at times. The whole package was convincing, honest and felt natural.
I loved this story!
Read and reviewed for Signal Boost Review Team.
March 2, 2019
Meh.
Not what I expected from Anna Martin. I was disappointed soon as I read chapter two about the Dads's hookup (eww!).
I have no idea in who's story I should focus on to. IMO, if the author wanted to have the story about a complicated relationships, isn't it better if one relationship stays in the background?
But who am I to complain?
I liked the younger couple's relationship better than the Dads. Maybe because I didn't really care about them. Also, the epilogue was kind of vague and HFN for both couples.
Not my favorite from Anna Martin.
February 28, 2019
This was not my favorite Anna Martin book.
Too many unexplained time jumps and the epilogue was disappointing.
Loved the younger couple, but the dads never seemed to get it together
Too many unexplained time jumps and the epilogue was disappointing.
Loved the younger couple, but the dads never seemed to get it together
March 7, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
I was definitely intrigued by this blurb and I wanted to see how this story played out. While there were a few shining moments in this story, a few moments I really enjoyed, on the whole the style of writing here didn’t work for me and really impeded the story.
So what did I like? I enjoyed the characters, especially James and Dylan. Their love was one that was full of sweet and heat, a perfect balance between the two. I loved the way they brought out the best in each other and they really talked to one another about the tough stuff. In a lot of ways, they were more grown up than the older characters. Their relationship was believable and earnest, as much as it was romantic and emotional. So these guys and their romance worked for me.
But what didn’t work? Pretty much the rest of the book. I liked Steve, and Mark too for the most part. As characters on their own, they were well written and well rounded. However, I had a bit more trouble with their relationship. There wasn’t enough spark between them that made me believe they’d go from a hooking up lifestyle to a relationship. Eventually, I could see what drew them together, but there just wasn’t enough exploration there for me to really believe it.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
I was definitely intrigued by this blurb and I wanted to see how this story played out. While there were a few shining moments in this story, a few moments I really enjoyed, on the whole the style of writing here didn’t work for me and really impeded the story.
So what did I like? I enjoyed the characters, especially James and Dylan. Their love was one that was full of sweet and heat, a perfect balance between the two. I loved the way they brought out the best in each other and they really talked to one another about the tough stuff. In a lot of ways, they were more grown up than the older characters. Their relationship was believable and earnest, as much as it was romantic and emotional. So these guys and their romance worked for me.
But what didn’t work? Pretty much the rest of the book. I liked Steve, and Mark too for the most part. As characters on their own, they were well written and well rounded. However, I had a bit more trouble with their relationship. There wasn’t enough spark between them that made me believe they’d go from a hooking up lifestyle to a relationship. Eventually, I could see what drew them together, but there just wasn’t enough exploration there for me to really believe it.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 23, 2019
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ 4-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
While the model used on the cover is a good looking young man, he and the washed out greyish painted background leaves a very bland visual. Only the airbrushed scrawl of the title provides a bit of visual pop. Luckily, I was offered to promote this book’s release and had the opportunity to read the synopsis. That is what caught my attention. If felt unique and that interested me. I’d not read anything by this author prior to HELIX and was eager to give her a try.
POV ~> Third-person
Four men. None of which looking for love.
20-yr-old Dylan works at a local garage while completing his certifications. Adopted from the foster system as a teen, he keeps his heart much more protected.
18-year-old James is the socially awkward twin. He and his sister are seniors at the high school their dad teaches at. He is also quietly bisexual.
James meets Dylan when James’s truck breaks down and needs a tow.
Steve is a single, gay man that had always wanted a big family but became determined to adopt a child that was deemed “unadoptable” by the system.
Mark is a chemistry teacher and single parent to twins, Frankie and James. His ex-wife left them when the kids were still in diapers.
Steve and Mark met and hooked up once before in a gay bar out of town and bump into each other once again after much time had passed. This time, they’re both looking for something more than just a hookup.
With no one sharing details and all of them keeping their relationships vague when discussing them with their parent or child, none of them knew the connection until several months had passed and they all arrive to meet one another at a summer barbeque.
Words are exchanged, hurts are created. Damage is done. But can they repair it so they all can live happily ever after?
The story itself was quite interesting and had a unique concept that I actually enjoyed, though at times James felt much more child-like than the 18 years that he was. Not a lot of secondary characters to fill up the cast in this one. A handful of friends between them were the base of the supporting cast. Chemistry between the couples matched them. Dialogue was good. Interactions were believable. The plot was well thought out and flowed nicely. There were conflicts along the way which were resolved in fitting manners and in acceptable timeframes. Predictability was low. The conclusion wraps most of the elements up and provides a planned-for HEA (HFN, perhaps?).
Overall, it was a great read and I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to read this author and book.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.225 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
While the model used on the cover is a good looking young man, he and the washed out greyish painted background leaves a very bland visual. Only the airbrushed scrawl of the title provides a bit of visual pop. Luckily, I was offered to promote this book’s release and had the opportunity to read the synopsis. That is what caught my attention. If felt unique and that interested me. I’d not read anything by this author prior to HELIX and was eager to give her a try.
POV ~> Third-person
Four men. None of which looking for love.
20-yr-old Dylan works at a local garage while completing his certifications. Adopted from the foster system as a teen, he keeps his heart much more protected.
18-year-old James is the socially awkward twin. He and his sister are seniors at the high school their dad teaches at. He is also quietly bisexual.
James meets Dylan when James’s truck breaks down and needs a tow.
Steve is a single, gay man that had always wanted a big family but became determined to adopt a child that was deemed “unadoptable” by the system.
Mark is a chemistry teacher and single parent to twins, Frankie and James. His ex-wife left them when the kids were still in diapers.
Steve and Mark met and hooked up once before in a gay bar out of town and bump into each other once again after much time had passed. This time, they’re both looking for something more than just a hookup.
With no one sharing details and all of them keeping their relationships vague when discussing them with their parent or child, none of them knew the connection until several months had passed and they all arrive to meet one another at a summer barbeque.
Words are exchanged, hurts are created. Damage is done. But can they repair it so they all can live happily ever after?
The story itself was quite interesting and had a unique concept that I actually enjoyed, though at times James felt much more child-like than the 18 years that he was. Not a lot of secondary characters to fill up the cast in this one. A handful of friends between them were the base of the supporting cast. Chemistry between the couples matched them. Dialogue was good. Interactions were believable. The plot was well thought out and flowed nicely. There were conflicts along the way which were resolved in fitting manners and in acceptable timeframes. Predictability was low. The conclusion wraps most of the elements up and provides a planned-for HEA (HFN, perhaps?).
Overall, it was a great read and I’m very happy to have had the opportunity to read this author and book.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.225 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
February 24, 2022
Helix takes a unique approach to highlighting the contrast of dating and relationships between the generations. There’s the sweet, more innocent look at first love and the slower, more exploratory nature of getting to know someone for the first time with James and Dylan���and then the heated, more desperate physical need of their more mature, experienced, and more jaded parents, Mark and Steve. The juxtaposition of these encounters makes for an interesting look at how not just the characters in this story approach relationships, but just people in general.
As someone who’s been on either end of the spectrum, there’s appeal in both. The slow burn of young love between Dylan and James is sweet and full of hope, yet the explosive, intensely passionate encounters of Mark and Steve fill a more visceral need (which becomes increasingly enticing as one gets older—at least from my point of view).
As a reader, we’re already aware from the book’s synopsis that Mark and Steve are James and Dylan’s parents, respectively. That means it’s constantly in the back of our minds that none of them are aware of those respective relationships, and for me I was waiting for that point where they would all find out who they are to each other, and what the fallout would be…something that did have me on edge as I read.
I did find that James and Dylan’s relationship held more appeal for me—I felt more of a connection between them than I did with Mark and Steve, whose relationship seemed more surface-level. The final resolution for everyone though was still quite satisfying, and I was happy with the way things ended up.
Helix gets a very strong 4 stars from me, leaning towards 4.5. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
As someone who’s been on either end of the spectrum, there’s appeal in both. The slow burn of young love between Dylan and James is sweet and full of hope, yet the explosive, intensely passionate encounters of Mark and Steve fill a more visceral need (which becomes increasingly enticing as one gets older—at least from my point of view).
As a reader, we’re already aware from the book’s synopsis that Mark and Steve are James and Dylan’s parents, respectively. That means it’s constantly in the back of our minds that none of them are aware of those respective relationships, and for me I was waiting for that point where they would all find out who they are to each other, and what the fallout would be…something that did have me on edge as I read.
I did find that James and Dylan’s relationship held more appeal for me—I felt more of a connection between them than I did with Mark and Steve, whose relationship seemed more surface-level. The final resolution for everyone though was still quite satisfying, and I was happy with the way things ended up.
Helix gets a very strong 4 stars from me, leaning towards 4.5. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
May 6, 2020
Families can be complicated. Families linked by people falling in love without knowing who is related to whom can be a nightmare, especially if there is drama because some have more trouble dealing with the unexpected than others. I think that most of the “explosion” that happens when all is revealed in this story is people not dealing well with the unplanned – which is utterly realistic and very entertaining, at least in this specific case. With two couples, neither of whom expected the others to know about each other, never mind be involved, there is plenty of potential for misunderstandings and unanticipated consequences due to a lack of communication. Honestly, the clues are all there, right in people’s faces, but they just don’t connect the dots. In the end no harm was done, and watching everyone adjust was kind of fun since I was able to do it from a distance.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 1, 2019
Reading Helix was a pure joy, and very happy surprise. I have to say I had one or two concerns when I read the blurb, but all of them turned out to be unwarranted. Where I feared the set-up of two youngsters starting to date each other at the same time their dads are doing the same might make this story contrived, it was anything but. In fact, for the first two-thirds of this story, things moved along so smoothly, it lulled me into a false sense of security. I actually thought that maybe the blurb had made the book sound more explosive than it would actually turn out to be.
I shouldn’t have worried.
There was so much to love about this story. The two developing relationships. The near misses when it came to the men and ‘boys’ figuring out that they were both dating something from the same household, and simply how fascinating yet recognisable and ‘normal’ each of the men were. But, I guess what I loved most was the unexpected developments—such as James and Dylan being the more grown-up about sorting out issues between them— or the different approach both couples had to getting together and developing their relationship.
You might expect the two young men to be in a desperate haste to get naked and dirty together and the older generation taking their time, but in this story the truth is exactly the opposite. James and Dylan’s coming together was just sweet and borderline innocent for quite some time, whereas Mark and Steve’s relationship starts with a hot and dirty hook-up in a rest room.
I liked how, for the most part, this story was drama and shock free. The first two thirds of the story are basically the two couples getting to know each other, exploring what they are together, and figuring out what each partner expects and wants from the developing relationships. And, when shit does hit the fan, it wasn’t over the top. Everything that happened when Steve and Mark realize their sons are also dating, made perfect sense to me. Furthermore, as much as I didn’t enjoy reading the subsequent struggles each of them faced, they too were totally realistic. And, what’s more, the drama wasn’t dragged out. And, once again, here especially, James and Dylan proved that being young doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of common sense, just as Mark and Steve showed us that being older and having a bit more experience doesn’t automatically lead to a more measured response to conflict.
Anna Martin’s Helix is a wonderful, uplifting, and charming story of learning to love and coping with complicated relationships. It is also beautifully written, smoothly told, captivating and memorable. I didn’t expect to take a few hours out of my sight-seeing schedule in Haarlem, but I can’t say I regret taking the time to finish this story. In fact, I’m pretty sure the beauty of this story at the very least equals any fascinating sights I might have found outside.
I shouldn’t have worried.
There was so much to love about this story. The two developing relationships. The near misses when it came to the men and ‘boys’ figuring out that they were both dating something from the same household, and simply how fascinating yet recognisable and ‘normal’ each of the men were. But, I guess what I loved most was the unexpected developments—such as James and Dylan being the more grown-up about sorting out issues between them— or the different approach both couples had to getting together and developing their relationship.
You might expect the two young men to be in a desperate haste to get naked and dirty together and the older generation taking their time, but in this story the truth is exactly the opposite. James and Dylan’s coming together was just sweet and borderline innocent for quite some time, whereas Mark and Steve’s relationship starts with a hot and dirty hook-up in a rest room.
I liked how, for the most part, this story was drama and shock free. The first two thirds of the story are basically the two couples getting to know each other, exploring what they are together, and figuring out what each partner expects and wants from the developing relationships. And, when shit does hit the fan, it wasn’t over the top. Everything that happened when Steve and Mark realize their sons are also dating, made perfect sense to me. Furthermore, as much as I didn’t enjoy reading the subsequent struggles each of them faced, they too were totally realistic. And, what’s more, the drama wasn’t dragged out. And, once again, here especially, James and Dylan proved that being young doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of common sense, just as Mark and Steve showed us that being older and having a bit more experience doesn’t automatically lead to a more measured response to conflict.
Anna Martin’s Helix is a wonderful, uplifting, and charming story of learning to love and coping with complicated relationships. It is also beautifully written, smoothly told, captivating and memorable. I didn’t expect to take a few hours out of my sight-seeing schedule in Haarlem, but I can’t say I regret taking the time to finish this story. In fact, I’m pretty sure the beauty of this story at the very least equals any fascinating sights I might have found outside.
May 6, 2020
Families can be complicated. Families linked by people falling in love without knowing who is related to whom can be a nightmare, especially if there is drama because some have more trouble dealing with the unexpected than others. I think that most of the “explosion” that happens when all is revealed in this story is people not dealing well with the unplanned – which is utterly realistic and very entertaining, at least in this specific case. With two couples, neither of whom expected the others to know about each other, never mind be involved, there is plenty of potential for misunderstandings and unanticipated consequences due to a lack of communication. Honestly, the clues are all there, right in people’s faces, but they just don’t connect the dots. In the end no harm was done, and watching everyone adjust was kind of fun since I was able to do it from a distance.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars
March 4, 2019
3.5 stars
I like James and Dylan's story, the dads not so much. . .
I like James and Dylan's story, the dads not so much. . .
March 2, 2019
3.5+ stars- Definitely an interesting premise
I was really intrigued by the idea behind Helix, following both an older and younger couple. Overall, the book held my attention and was an enjoyable read, but there were some elements that gave me pause and kept Helix from being as wonderful as I hoped.
I really liked the contrasting relationship paths with the young men having a slow burn romance and Steve and Mark burning with lust before morphing into a deeper emotional connection. I appreciated what you would expect considering the characters' ages was exactly the opposite of how the relationships played out. James and Dylan's tender love mixed with their fumbling physical and emotional moments were so sweet and I enjoyed seeing their bond strengthen over the course of Helix. While I appreciated how Steve and Mark offered a completely different pathway to love, their relationship left me wanting. Their quick and dirty hookups ended up feeling more salacious than sexy and I never really got to see the relationship deepen beyond a surface appreciation for each other's company. While that's okay, it's not what I look for when reading romance.
I also struggled with some elements that threw off the pacing in Helix. A few different times characters revealed "new" information that was already divulged chapters before. When I already struggled to feel that connection between Mark and Steve, these repetitive reveals definitely didn't help me get lost in the story. All that said, I really liked the stories within Helix; I guess I simply expected to be more blown away given how much the blurb snared my attention.
*Reviewed eARC for Alpha Book Club*
I was really intrigued by the idea behind Helix, following both an older and younger couple. Overall, the book held my attention and was an enjoyable read, but there were some elements that gave me pause and kept Helix from being as wonderful as I hoped.
I really liked the contrasting relationship paths with the young men having a slow burn romance and Steve and Mark burning with lust before morphing into a deeper emotional connection. I appreciated what you would expect considering the characters' ages was exactly the opposite of how the relationships played out. James and Dylan's tender love mixed with their fumbling physical and emotional moments were so sweet and I enjoyed seeing their bond strengthen over the course of Helix. While I appreciated how Steve and Mark offered a completely different pathway to love, their relationship left me wanting. Their quick and dirty hookups ended up feeling more salacious than sexy and I never really got to see the relationship deepen beyond a surface appreciation for each other's company. While that's okay, it's not what I look for when reading romance.
I also struggled with some elements that threw off the pacing in Helix. A few different times characters revealed "new" information that was already divulged chapters before. When I already struggled to feel that connection between Mark and Steve, these repetitive reveals definitely didn't help me get lost in the story. All that said, I really liked the stories within Helix; I guess I simply expected to be more blown away given how much the blurb snared my attention.
*Reviewed eARC for Alpha Book Club*
February 7, 2019
Oh, Anna Martin. How I longed to fall in love with this story. I tried so hard, too. In the end, I found it confusing at times, very sweet, angry and underwhelming.
There are two separate, yet intersecting love stories going on here, which had me at hello. I mean, two for one? Yes, please.
Dylan is 20. He's had a rough past, being abused and used throughout his earlier years in foster care. When he was adopted by Steve at age 14, he finally had someone who cared, who wasn't leaving, and who showed him that he could fight for a future. As a practicing mechanic and college student, he meets James, 18. James is in high school and he's never been with a guy, but he's wildly curious and open and so so so sweet.
Mark, 45 is a high school Chemistry teacher and James's dad. At this point in his life, he's looking for more than just a hookup, since both James and his twin sister are going to be leaving for college. So when feelings happen between him and Steve, it gets somewhat complicated. Especially when they all meet.
For the most part, I loved the relationship between Dylan and James. It was very new and young and slow and I felt it. I didn't love, however, how much down time there was in between seeing each other. It seemed like weeks would go by with nothing happening. And it confused me when James felt like he wanted to call and actually talk to Dylan, but didn't feel like he could. Ooooookkkaayyyyy??
The relationship between 'The Dad's' felt to me a little unhealthy. They started out kinky and fast, then slowed down and did the whole 'getting to know you' thing, which was good. But when they finally agreed that they both wanted a relationship, then they saw each other in public and pretended they didn't know each other. Again, confusing. Even at the 4 years later epilogue, I didn't feel like I had a good handle on where they were headed.
I did love the epilogue for Dylan and James, however. It ended well, and I was happy with their relationship, overall. I just wished that their father's could have been as open and communicative as their sons were.
*Galley copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
There are two separate, yet intersecting love stories going on here, which had me at hello. I mean, two for one? Yes, please.
Dylan is 20. He's had a rough past, being abused and used throughout his earlier years in foster care. When he was adopted by Steve at age 14, he finally had someone who cared, who wasn't leaving, and who showed him that he could fight for a future. As a practicing mechanic and college student, he meets James, 18. James is in high school and he's never been with a guy, but he's wildly curious and open and so so so sweet.
Mark, 45 is a high school Chemistry teacher and James's dad. At this point in his life, he's looking for more than just a hookup, since both James and his twin sister are going to be leaving for college. So when feelings happen between him and Steve, it gets somewhat complicated. Especially when they all meet.
For the most part, I loved the relationship between Dylan and James. It was very new and young and slow and I felt it. I didn't love, however, how much down time there was in between seeing each other. It seemed like weeks would go by with nothing happening. And it confused me when James felt like he wanted to call and actually talk to Dylan, but didn't feel like he could. Ooooookkkaayyyyy??
The relationship between 'The Dad's' felt to me a little unhealthy. They started out kinky and fast, then slowed down and did the whole 'getting to know you' thing, which was good. But when they finally agreed that they both wanted a relationship, then they saw each other in public and pretended they didn't know each other. Again, confusing. Even at the 4 years later epilogue, I didn't feel like I had a good handle on where they were headed.
I did love the epilogue for Dylan and James, however. It ended well, and I was happy with their relationship, overall. I just wished that their father's could have been as open and communicative as their sons were.
*Galley copy generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
February 19, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’m still not too sure what to make of this story. On one hand it’s a wholesome family focused new adult romance. Set in a small town, it’s the story of two kids who find an instant connection despite their very different backgrounds. It’s sweet with a few steamy moments. But then there’s the twist. This book isn’t just about James and Dylan, it’s also the story of their dads, Mark and Steve and their slightly kinkier connection that starts with a backroom hookup and slowly becomes something more.
After the first few chapters, my head was spinning. I wasn’t quite ready for the parallel romances. Readers are jolted from James’ high school angst to Steve’s conquest in a club toilet without any segue. Once I figured out the characters and their relationships, the story made more sense.
I really liked all four characters but I found it difficult to get too far into any of the character’s heads when the next chapter featured their dad or son shagging their partner’s dad or son. I loved James and Dylan’s coming of age story and their sexual explorations are both sweet and sexy. I was probably less keen on Steve and Mark’s slightly dirtier, kinkier connection. Although - maybe it was just the contrast and the dad/son thing that made me slightly squeamish. I think I would have loved Mark and Steve’s story in its own book.
I enjoyed this book. The format is original and I can’t think of anything to compare it to. I like the complexity of the relationships in both families and I love the way Dylan’s past and his adoption are explored in this book.
I’m still not too sure what to make of this story. On one hand it’s a wholesome family focused new adult romance. Set in a small town, it’s the story of two kids who find an instant connection despite their very different backgrounds. It’s sweet with a few steamy moments. But then there’s the twist. This book isn’t just about James and Dylan, it’s also the story of their dads, Mark and Steve and their slightly kinkier connection that starts with a backroom hookup and slowly becomes something more.
After the first few chapters, my head was spinning. I wasn’t quite ready for the parallel romances. Readers are jolted from James’ high school angst to Steve’s conquest in a club toilet without any segue. Once I figured out the characters and their relationships, the story made more sense.
I really liked all four characters but I found it difficult to get too far into any of the character’s heads when the next chapter featured their dad or son shagging their partner’s dad or son. I loved James and Dylan’s coming of age story and their sexual explorations are both sweet and sexy. I was probably less keen on Steve and Mark’s slightly dirtier, kinkier connection. Although - maybe it was just the contrast and the dad/son thing that made me slightly squeamish. I think I would have loved Mark and Steve’s story in its own book.
I enjoyed this book. The format is original and I can’t think of anything to compare it to. I like the complexity of the relationships in both families and I love the way Dylan’s past and his adoption are explored in this book.
March 7, 2019
I’ve never read anything by this author so this was a great introduction for me.
Helix is a well written story about two couples, James and Dylan and Mark and Frankie. Two different couples in relationships hidden from each other. I loved both of their stories and the relationship between each couple. I found myself on edge waiting for the time the couples find out about the other couple.
I thought this was a very good read. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Helix is a well written story about two couples, James and Dylan and Mark and Frankie. Two different couples in relationships hidden from each other. I loved both of their stories and the relationship between each couple. I found myself on edge waiting for the time the couples find out about the other couple.
I thought this was a very good read. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
March 22, 2019
Ce roman est un pur moment de bonheur, un de ceux qu'on classe, une fois fini, dans sa liseuse et qu'on se dépêche d'aller acheter en version papier pour pouvoir encore et toujours le relire en le caressant obsessivement. Ce qui aurait pu vite être un sujet un peu grand guignolesque est, sous la plume d'Anna Martin, une vraie petite surprise de tendresse et de douceur de vivre. Une histoire ou elle nous offre un magnifique couple de quadra -et bordel qu'est-ce que ça fait du bien- loin de tout cliché, de toute facilité romanesque pour nous déverser avec talent une histoire d'amour pas si simple mais tellement touchante.
Deux hommes aussi séduisants dans leur personnalité l'un que l'autre -mais qu'est-ce que j'ai pu aimer leurs échanges à ces deux la- qui se lancent dans une relation qui va compliquer beaucoup de choses pour eux comme pour leurs proches. Leur sensibilité et leur approche de la vie est tout simplement adorable, faisant de leur histoire une de celle que j'affectionne beaucoup: simplicité, réalisme, confrontation des attentes et pragmatisme face à leur condition. C'est chaud, c'est doux ça nous rend tout frétillant et ça vous laisse un gros goût de reviens-y aussitôt fini.
Le jeune couple n'a rien à leur envier tant leur innocence et leur maturité nous surprennent agréablement et on s'y attache avec la même facilité. Deux jeunes garçons que l'on oppose pas forcement dans leurs caractéristiques mais que l'on voit découvrir le monde (avec plus ou moins de bonheur et de chance au départ), y réagir et s'y adapter.
Pour moi, un des grand plus de ce roman fut de lire la construction de ces cellules amoureuses sous un fil narratif toujours doté d'un arrière fond d'humour très subtil qui allège et qui même magnifie un peu plus le récit tout en lui conservant son impact sensible.
C'est délicieusement tendre et humain, c'est chaud d'une façon si simple et si naturelle qu'on fond littéralement entre coups de chaleur discrets et scènes de vie presque familières.
Deux couples qui se construisent sur un carrefour les emmenant sur des routes similaires tout en prenant un sens de circulation radicalement inverse. L'un apprend a se connaitre pour passer de la douceur des mots qui titillent aux caresses des corps qui se découvrent, l'autre fonce comme un bolide du point Z au point A pour remonter avec crainte et délicatesse le fil d'une histoire commune. La trame sans être effrénée est aussi palpitante qu'une tranche de vie peut l'être quand elle est articulée autour d'un story-board hyper précis vous imageant, geste compris, les ambiances, les émotions et les angoisses des membres d'une famille au sein d'une petite communauté. Un roman qui ne manquera pas de vous rappeler Feux de joies D'amy Lane tout en ayant son propre charme.
La structure classique n'a aucunement besoin de quelque fioriture que ce soit, le contenu étant soigneusement évoqué, agencé pour une progression des événements toujours très efficace et surtout très dynamique muni un scénario sommes toutes assez simple. Le simple quand c'est maîtrisé de cette façon là c'est vraiment très bien, ça nous rend heureux avec des personnages humains, légers et forts de leurs faiblesses. Ça donne une histoire feel good où l'optimisme est toujours prioritaire sur la difficulté des situations.
Un roman d'Anna Martin qui une fois de plus m'a totalement séduite et même emportée dans un moment de douce émotion qui me donne, comme rarement, l'envie de lire encore et encore la suite et tout plein de bonus à cette romance vivifiante. J'ai eu un mal fou à ne pas geindre comme une gamine quand je voyais le temps de lecture filer comme la lumière et je verrais d'un très bon œil une suite à l’histoire des deux papas !
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com
Deux hommes aussi séduisants dans leur personnalité l'un que l'autre -mais qu'est-ce que j'ai pu aimer leurs échanges à ces deux la- qui se lancent dans une relation qui va compliquer beaucoup de choses pour eux comme pour leurs proches. Leur sensibilité et leur approche de la vie est tout simplement adorable, faisant de leur histoire une de celle que j'affectionne beaucoup: simplicité, réalisme, confrontation des attentes et pragmatisme face à leur condition. C'est chaud, c'est doux ça nous rend tout frétillant et ça vous laisse un gros goût de reviens-y aussitôt fini.
Le jeune couple n'a rien à leur envier tant leur innocence et leur maturité nous surprennent agréablement et on s'y attache avec la même facilité. Deux jeunes garçons que l'on oppose pas forcement dans leurs caractéristiques mais que l'on voit découvrir le monde (avec plus ou moins de bonheur et de chance au départ), y réagir et s'y adapter.
Pour moi, un des grand plus de ce roman fut de lire la construction de ces cellules amoureuses sous un fil narratif toujours doté d'un arrière fond d'humour très subtil qui allège et qui même magnifie un peu plus le récit tout en lui conservant son impact sensible.
C'est délicieusement tendre et humain, c'est chaud d'une façon si simple et si naturelle qu'on fond littéralement entre coups de chaleur discrets et scènes de vie presque familières.
Deux couples qui se construisent sur un carrefour les emmenant sur des routes similaires tout en prenant un sens de circulation radicalement inverse. L'un apprend a se connaitre pour passer de la douceur des mots qui titillent aux caresses des corps qui se découvrent, l'autre fonce comme un bolide du point Z au point A pour remonter avec crainte et délicatesse le fil d'une histoire commune. La trame sans être effrénée est aussi palpitante qu'une tranche de vie peut l'être quand elle est articulée autour d'un story-board hyper précis vous imageant, geste compris, les ambiances, les émotions et les angoisses des membres d'une famille au sein d'une petite communauté. Un roman qui ne manquera pas de vous rappeler Feux de joies D'amy Lane tout en ayant son propre charme.
La structure classique n'a aucunement besoin de quelque fioriture que ce soit, le contenu étant soigneusement évoqué, agencé pour une progression des événements toujours très efficace et surtout très dynamique muni un scénario sommes toutes assez simple. Le simple quand c'est maîtrisé de cette façon là c'est vraiment très bien, ça nous rend heureux avec des personnages humains, légers et forts de leurs faiblesses. Ça donne une histoire feel good où l'optimisme est toujours prioritaire sur la difficulté des situations.
Un roman d'Anna Martin qui une fois de plus m'a totalement séduite et même emportée dans un moment de douce émotion qui me donne, comme rarement, l'envie de lire encore et encore la suite et tout plein de bonus à cette romance vivifiante. J'ai eu un mal fou à ne pas geindre comme une gamine quand je voyais le temps de lecture filer comme la lumière et je verrais d'un très bon œil une suite à l’histoire des deux papas !
Yop.
http://meninbooks.eklablog.com
February 25, 2019
This is one of those books that just blows your mind a few times over. I have to admit that one of the main characters really upset me the more I got to know him. At first I thought that hey, he is such a great guy and why is he still single? Then he sets in motion an event of situations that almost losses everything that should be important to him. He is one of those individuals that does not think before he speaks or reacts and so he almost ruins several lives because of it. Regardless in the end he becomes a little more likable but still not the man I originally thought that he would be.
James is finishing out his senior year in high school but has already turned eighteen when his truck decides to break down. He is not really worried about it breaking down so much since he has been saving up for things such as this but what he did not expect is to meet the tow truck driver and feel such an immediate liking toward him.
Dylan was just as surprised about having such an attraction to James as James was to having an attraction to Dylan. But as these two decide to get to know one another better, attractions and connections start to build between them. Dylan has things in his past that he finds himself opening up to James about. Things he has not really opened up to others about it. James finds that even though he has little to no experience when it comes to sexual things, he cannot keep his hands off of Dylan. As of yet, they have kept their relationship to themselves and not shared much with their families. They want to make sure that they are going somewhere together before bringing others into their relationship along with getting to know one another better first.
While Dylan and James are building something sweet, almost innocent between them their dads are both starting a new relationship as well. Much like Dylan and James, they are not sharing as well.
Mark is James’ father and a teacher at the high school that James and his twin sister attend. Though Mark is not one to usually go out and pick someone up often, one night he ends up meeting and hooking up with a man named Steve. What starts out as a hook up ends up growing between these two men. Steve opens up about the things his son Dylan has gone through in the past. From the adoption and leading up to Steve adopting Dylan and even the things that have happened since the adoption. Steve never takes into consideration that the man that he is falling for might one day use that knowledge against him. But that is exactly what happens and in the worst way possible.
When Dylan and James decide it is time to introduce each other to their families they find out that their dads have been keeping secrets from them as well? How will everything play out in the end? Will someone or more then someone walk away broken hearted? Can the aftermath of finding out secrets be overcome or will it all just be too much?
This was a good read but as I said I truly did not like one of the main characters. Regardless of that I loved the others and Dylan and James truly made this read a spectacular read. This is definitely a book I recommend to others.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
James is finishing out his senior year in high school but has already turned eighteen when his truck decides to break down. He is not really worried about it breaking down so much since he has been saving up for things such as this but what he did not expect is to meet the tow truck driver and feel such an immediate liking toward him.
Dylan was just as surprised about having such an attraction to James as James was to having an attraction to Dylan. But as these two decide to get to know one another better, attractions and connections start to build between them. Dylan has things in his past that he finds himself opening up to James about. Things he has not really opened up to others about it. James finds that even though he has little to no experience when it comes to sexual things, he cannot keep his hands off of Dylan. As of yet, they have kept their relationship to themselves and not shared much with their families. They want to make sure that they are going somewhere together before bringing others into their relationship along with getting to know one another better first.
While Dylan and James are building something sweet, almost innocent between them their dads are both starting a new relationship as well. Much like Dylan and James, they are not sharing as well.
Mark is James’ father and a teacher at the high school that James and his twin sister attend. Though Mark is not one to usually go out and pick someone up often, one night he ends up meeting and hooking up with a man named Steve. What starts out as a hook up ends up growing between these two men. Steve opens up about the things his son Dylan has gone through in the past. From the adoption and leading up to Steve adopting Dylan and even the things that have happened since the adoption. Steve never takes into consideration that the man that he is falling for might one day use that knowledge against him. But that is exactly what happens and in the worst way possible.
When Dylan and James decide it is time to introduce each other to their families they find out that their dads have been keeping secrets from them as well? How will everything play out in the end? Will someone or more then someone walk away broken hearted? Can the aftermath of finding out secrets be overcome or will it all just be too much?
This was a good read but as I said I truly did not like one of the main characters. Regardless of that I loved the others and Dylan and James truly made this read a spectacular read. This is definitely a book I recommend to others.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
June 3, 2021
James, 18 ans, tombe sous le charme du garagiste qui vient dépanner son pick-up. Quand celui-ci lui demande son numéro, il est plus qu'enthousiaste, bien que surpris que quelqu'un d'aussi sexy s'intéresse à lui.
Dylan a 21 ans, étudiant en mécanique, travaille dans un garage et a eu une enfance et une adolescence assez difficile. Très proche de son père adoptif, Steve, il a eu un coup de cœur pour ce jeune homme qu'il trouve diablement attachant et attirant.
Ils commencent alors une relation douce, tendre, James manquant d'expérience mais comme Dylan est un très bon professeur, il est un étudiant plus qu'appliqué. Mais il n'en parle pas à son père, craignant se réaction devant l'âge de Dylan.
Dans un bar de la ville, un soir, Steve croise un homme qu'il reconnait vaguement pour avoir couché avec il y a quelques années. L'attraction est immédiate et les deux hommes concluent dans les toilettes du bar. Mais l'envie de se revoir est là ... et ils continuent à se voir, d'abord juste pour des relations sexuelles intenses, puis peu à peu, l'envie de plus, peut-être se voir pour autre chose, peut-être se voir en dehors des quatre murs d'une chambre d’hôtel... Mais il faut y aller prudemment, les deux hommes ont des enfants adolescents, donc, on ne précipite rien.
Le temps passant, les relations se consolident, les sentiments commencent à apparaitre, peut-être plus vite chez Dylan et James, moins méfiants, plus entiers, et Mark décide d'organiser un barbecue chez lui pour présenter Steve à ses enfants James et Frankie et rencontrer enfin le petit-ami de son fils.
Et tout bascule ... les deux hommes sont stupéfaits de se rendre compte que leurs fils sortent ensemble... tout autant que James et Dylan le sont de voir leurs pères. Et quand Mark, dépassé par la surprise et l'instinct protecteur, balance les confidences que Steve lui a faites sur le passé de Dylan, tout explose...
C'est une histoire douce que nous conte Anna Martin, entre ces deux jeunes hommes qui se découvrent amoureux, tout en douceur et en tendresse avant de passer à la découverte du corps de l'autre, et ces deux hommes adultes qui font finalement l'inverse, explorant d'abord les corps pour ensuite découvrir le cœur et l'âme.
J'avoue que je ne suis pas arrivée à véritablement adhérer à l'histoire d'amour des deux pères, il m'a manqué un petit quelque chose pour vraiment ressentir de l'amour. Mais j'ai vraiment craqué pour James, absolument solaire et entier, et Dylan, ce jeune homme tendre et attentionné malgré ses débuts difficiles. La sœur jumelle de James est aussi un personnage très important, qui joue un peu les médiateurs entre le père et le fils.
Bref, une histoire douce qui donne la banane, surtout avec ce petit épilogue qui permet de bien clore l'histoire et de les laisser poursuivre leur vie sereinement.
Dylan a 21 ans, étudiant en mécanique, travaille dans un garage et a eu une enfance et une adolescence assez difficile. Très proche de son père adoptif, Steve, il a eu un coup de cœur pour ce jeune homme qu'il trouve diablement attachant et attirant.
Ils commencent alors une relation douce, tendre, James manquant d'expérience mais comme Dylan est un très bon professeur, il est un étudiant plus qu'appliqué. Mais il n'en parle pas à son père, craignant se réaction devant l'âge de Dylan.
Dans un bar de la ville, un soir, Steve croise un homme qu'il reconnait vaguement pour avoir couché avec il y a quelques années. L'attraction est immédiate et les deux hommes concluent dans les toilettes du bar. Mais l'envie de se revoir est là ... et ils continuent à se voir, d'abord juste pour des relations sexuelles intenses, puis peu à peu, l'envie de plus, peut-être se voir pour autre chose, peut-être se voir en dehors des quatre murs d'une chambre d’hôtel... Mais il faut y aller prudemment, les deux hommes ont des enfants adolescents, donc, on ne précipite rien.
Le temps passant, les relations se consolident, les sentiments commencent à apparaitre, peut-être plus vite chez Dylan et James, moins méfiants, plus entiers, et Mark décide d'organiser un barbecue chez lui pour présenter Steve à ses enfants James et Frankie et rencontrer enfin le petit-ami de son fils.
Et tout bascule ... les deux hommes sont stupéfaits de se rendre compte que leurs fils sortent ensemble... tout autant que James et Dylan le sont de voir leurs pères. Et quand Mark, dépassé par la surprise et l'instinct protecteur, balance les confidences que Steve lui a faites sur le passé de Dylan, tout explose...
C'est une histoire douce que nous conte Anna Martin, entre ces deux jeunes hommes qui se découvrent amoureux, tout en douceur et en tendresse avant de passer à la découverte du corps de l'autre, et ces deux hommes adultes qui font finalement l'inverse, explorant d'abord les corps pour ensuite découvrir le cœur et l'âme.
J'avoue que je ne suis pas arrivée à véritablement adhérer à l'histoire d'amour des deux pères, il m'a manqué un petit quelque chose pour vraiment ressentir de l'amour. Mais j'ai vraiment craqué pour James, absolument solaire et entier, et Dylan, ce jeune homme tendre et attentionné malgré ses débuts difficiles. La sœur jumelle de James est aussi un personnage très important, qui joue un peu les médiateurs entre le père et le fils.
Bref, une histoire douce qui donne la banane, surtout avec ce petit épilogue qui permet de bien clore l'histoire et de les laisser poursuivre leur vie sereinement.
March 7, 2019
This was a FANTASTIC read! I think Anna Martin is great, but this is by far my favourite book of hers... and one of my new favourites in the genre!
Helix was absolutely incredible and has so much going for it. The romances are wonderful, the way they run side by side was done really well, the writing was spot on, the characters were interesting and well developed, and the story made me want to keep reading and not put it down. Like, I didn’t want to stop reading EVER. I started it on a plane, and when the plane landed I was actually annoyed that I’d need to stop reading. And then when I realised a bit later that I was 87% through the book, I was genuinely upset that it was nearly over! 😂
The side by side romances style is really different to anything I’ve read in this genre before and I thought it was brilliant. I was sceptical of it before I started but it turns out I had absolutely no reason to be as it worked really well and it only took a few pages for me to get completely hooked!
Both romances were fabulous, although I have to admit that I was rooting more for James and Dylan (especially towards the end). That might have something to do with how much I adored them both as individuals, and then together they were just so wonderful! They were perfect for each other, despite their differences, and I loved seeing their romance grow into something really special and beautiful. Dylan was honestly my perfect character, tough guy with a soft centre and a troubled past, trying to change his life for the better. That’s my favourite kind of MC and he really was so easy to fall in love with!
I loved Steve too because he was such a kind soul who truly cared for his kid (be still my beating heart, honestly!), and Mark drove me crazy a few times but even so he was still a great character. Even when I wanted to clip him round the ear for being an idiot a couple of times. He was trying to be a good dad, and he deserved happiness and admitted to his mistakes. Sparks certainly flew between Mark and Steve, and there were quite a few scenes that were so INSANELY hot that I think I actually blushed a little. That side of things was certainly a contrast to the slow build of James and Dylan’s relationship, which I actually thought was great because I liked seeing the tentativeness of their relationship at the start, and how it grew more and more once they truly got to know each other. It was a true joy to see them fall in love with each other.
I would definitely recommend this one to everyone - I already want to reread it and I can’t wait until it’s available on paperback as I’m so excited to add it to my collection.
Helix was absolutely incredible and has so much going for it. The romances are wonderful, the way they run side by side was done really well, the writing was spot on, the characters were interesting and well developed, and the story made me want to keep reading and not put it down. Like, I didn’t want to stop reading EVER. I started it on a plane, and when the plane landed I was actually annoyed that I’d need to stop reading. And then when I realised a bit later that I was 87% through the book, I was genuinely upset that it was nearly over! 😂
The side by side romances style is really different to anything I’ve read in this genre before and I thought it was brilliant. I was sceptical of it before I started but it turns out I had absolutely no reason to be as it worked really well and it only took a few pages for me to get completely hooked!
Both romances were fabulous, although I have to admit that I was rooting more for James and Dylan (especially towards the end). That might have something to do with how much I adored them both as individuals, and then together they were just so wonderful! They were perfect for each other, despite their differences, and I loved seeing their romance grow into something really special and beautiful. Dylan was honestly my perfect character, tough guy with a soft centre and a troubled past, trying to change his life for the better. That’s my favourite kind of MC and he really was so easy to fall in love with!
I loved Steve too because he was such a kind soul who truly cared for his kid (be still my beating heart, honestly!), and Mark drove me crazy a few times but even so he was still a great character. Even when I wanted to clip him round the ear for being an idiot a couple of times. He was trying to be a good dad, and he deserved happiness and admitted to his mistakes. Sparks certainly flew between Mark and Steve, and there were quite a few scenes that were so INSANELY hot that I think I actually blushed a little. That side of things was certainly a contrast to the slow build of James and Dylan’s relationship, which I actually thought was great because I liked seeing the tentativeness of their relationship at the start, and how it grew more and more once they truly got to know each other. It was a true joy to see them fall in love with each other.
I would definitely recommend this one to everyone - I already want to reread it and I can’t wait until it’s available on paperback as I’m so excited to add it to my collection.
February 24, 2019
A bit of an unusual read in which we have four main characters. Steve and Mark are single Dad’s with teenage or young adult kids. Steve has an adopted son, Dylan, 21 years old, traumatic past, and still finding himself. Mark, mid-forties, 13 years divorced with twin 18 year olds, James and Frankie, on the cusp of flying the nest.
Steve and Mark have meet previously in a bar, and when their paths cross again, the attraction is more than just a hook-up.
James and Dylan connect after James truck breaks down and Dylan is the one who fixes it. This really, was their story moreso than Steve and Mark’s. Through James, we get to see Dylan’s tragic past and through Dylan, James learns all about sex. James humor was a lovely counter balance to Dylan’s somewhat more jaded character. I so enjoyed the small nuances like James making sure he had clean socks on before going over to Dylan’s.
I also appreciated the real life touch the characters had to work around - James had school, Dylan had to work, both had their families. The romance was wedged in between life activities and sometimes, it would be a week between scenes.
The dad’s, Steve and Mark. I’m somewhat on the fence as relates to their so called romance that bounced between bar sex, car sex and booty call. When The Big Misunderstanding rolls around, it’s these two that royally mess the relationship up, which then impacts the kids. Personally, The Big Misunderstanding and resolution didn’t work for me; it felt contrived and unbelievable.
Ultimately, by the end of the book I was feeling kinda…meh. James and Dylan were a sweet couple fitting in their exploration of sex, love and relationship on the weekends. Steve and Mark were emotionally all over the place, which didn’t quite work for me. So a middle of the road story when all was said and read
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Steve and Mark have meet previously in a bar, and when their paths cross again, the attraction is more than just a hook-up.
James and Dylan connect after James truck breaks down and Dylan is the one who fixes it. This really, was their story moreso than Steve and Mark’s. Through James, we get to see Dylan’s tragic past and through Dylan, James learns all about sex. James humor was a lovely counter balance to Dylan’s somewhat more jaded character. I so enjoyed the small nuances like James making sure he had clean socks on before going over to Dylan’s.
I also appreciated the real life touch the characters had to work around - James had school, Dylan had to work, both had their families. The romance was wedged in between life activities and sometimes, it would be a week between scenes.
The dad’s, Steve and Mark. I’m somewhat on the fence as relates to their so called romance that bounced between bar sex, car sex and booty call. When The Big Misunderstanding rolls around, it’s these two that royally mess the relationship up, which then impacts the kids. Personally, The Big Misunderstanding and resolution didn’t work for me; it felt contrived and unbelievable.
Ultimately, by the end of the book I was feeling kinda…meh. James and Dylan were a sweet couple fitting in their exploration of sex, love and relationship on the weekends. Steve and Mark were emotionally all over the place, which didn’t quite work for me. So a middle of the road story when all was said and read
Review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 17, 2019
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.
He kept a box of protein bars in his locker for mornings like this… mornings when he didn’t have the energy to morning.
This is a very interesting novel. Also, I think I might have rated this one less than it deserved.
James' truck breaks down and the guy who comes to tow his truck is Dylan. They are both attracted to each other and it is the perfect meet-cute if you ask me.
Steve hooks up with Mark and they try to give it a go at having a relationship. Unknowingly, Steve is Dylan's adopted father and Mark is James' father and when the truth comes out it, everything comes to a head and with so many feelings mixed in they are going to be quite a few hurts to soothe when the dust settles.
This book is told from the alternating perspectives of James and Steve.
James and Dylan definitely stole the show from me. I feel like they were much more open regarding their relationship even if they didn't go into specifics. Though Dylan did play it close to the chest for a while, I feel like that was a given considering his upbringing and it was more because he wanted to protect himself than anything else.
Plus, Steve had an ex to get over, and everyone knew the best way to get over an ex-boyfriend was to get under someone else.
I never did get where Steve and Mark were going with there relationship. Since we never do get Mark's perspective it is hard to say where things are with regards to him but with Steve, you can tell that he has fallen hard but he is playing it coy in front of his friends and his son.
I really like the parent-child relationships in this one. Especially Steve and Dylan who are like the coolest father-son duo ever. I don't care what Steve claims in the book, he is a cool dad. I especially loved the fact that for Steve Dylan's security and stability came over all else.
This book was one in which I really got to compare romances. A romance with younger protagonists who are still having their first experiences with love and another with older guys with responsibilities. There is just something about young love, about the innocence at the age that can't be recaptured again. And personally, the fact that Mark and Steve are so prominently fathers and the fact we do get James' perspective just made Mark and Steve very real parents. I realise I have read books where the MCs have kids but the fact that we never get the kids perspective in such a way that makes the MC a parental figure makes me ignore that label. Because truthfully I couldn't ignore that label for these two. These two are super kinky but something about the fact that they are father-figures really made me cringe. I must confess that I am way closer to James and Dylan's age than Steve and Mark's and also I am not a parent so I can't look at things the way Steve and Mark do. I can't reconcile with Mark and Steve the parents with these kinky individuals. I truly understand James' desire to ignore the fact his father might have sex at all. I never want to think about that either.
I realise that people who are parents would truly gain more from this book because they can identify with both sides of the fence but unfortunately I can truly only identify with one.
Also, there also remains the fact that the first thing that Mark focuses on when he realises Dylan is Steve's son is his issues. I haven't forgiven him for that. I know he did apologize but the fact that we don't see it play out given our two narrators means there is something in me that needs closure regarding this issue. And since I can't in all capacity forgive Mark I wonder how Steve can which just makes their relationship that much more complicated for me.
The fact that they are parents automatically puts them on a pedestal for me and I expect more but Mark and Steve truly have nothing figured out with regards to their relationship.
I would have definitely wanted more Frances but I get that the choice of narrators prevented that to an extent.
“Are we on a date?” he asked with a rush. Then he took great interest in his straw, too humiliated to look Dylan in the face. It probably wasn’t a date, and Dylan wasn’t interested, and now James had made it supremely awkward again because he was a stupid dork who couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself—
“Possibly,” Dylan said, cutting off James’s silent mental self-berating.
“Uh,” James stuttered. “Oh.”
“I wasn’t sure if you thought of me as someone dateable,” Dylan said in a soft voice.
“Oh! I do!” James said in a rush. “I mean….”
It was too late. Cool was a hundred yards behind him and disappearing quickly.
James and Dylan are the stars of this story for me. They are so cute. I love them so much. There are the snuggliest, cuddliest and squidgiest couple ever. I so totally want another epilogue like that epilogue.
This story blew my mind, it made me realise new things about myself. I feel like people who can see themselves as kids under parental authority and who can see themselves as parental authority would gain much more from this story. Despite all that this story is still pretty amazing.
Cover Art by Garrett Leigh. I love the cover. It has a really fresh look and all that blue just reminds me of beaches and a cover that reminds me of beaches and water can never be bad.
He kept a box of protein bars in his locker for mornings like this… mornings when he didn’t have the energy to morning.
This is a very interesting novel. Also, I think I might have rated this one less than it deserved.
James' truck breaks down and the guy who comes to tow his truck is Dylan. They are both attracted to each other and it is the perfect meet-cute if you ask me.
Steve hooks up with Mark and they try to give it a go at having a relationship. Unknowingly, Steve is Dylan's adopted father and Mark is James' father and when the truth comes out it, everything comes to a head and with so many feelings mixed in they are going to be quite a few hurts to soothe when the dust settles.
This book is told from the alternating perspectives of James and Steve.
James and Dylan definitely stole the show from me. I feel like they were much more open regarding their relationship even if they didn't go into specifics. Though Dylan did play it close to the chest for a while, I feel like that was a given considering his upbringing and it was more because he wanted to protect himself than anything else.
Plus, Steve had an ex to get over, and everyone knew the best way to get over an ex-boyfriend was to get under someone else.
I never did get where Steve and Mark were going with there relationship. Since we never do get Mark's perspective it is hard to say where things are with regards to him but with Steve, you can tell that he has fallen hard but he is playing it coy in front of his friends and his son.
I really like the parent-child relationships in this one. Especially Steve and Dylan who are like the coolest father-son duo ever. I don't care what Steve claims in the book, he is a cool dad. I especially loved the fact that for Steve Dylan's security and stability came over all else.
This book was one in which I really got to compare romances. A romance with younger protagonists who are still having their first experiences with love and another with older guys with responsibilities. There is just something about young love, about the innocence at the age that can't be recaptured again. And personally, the fact that Mark and Steve are so prominently fathers and the fact we do get James' perspective just made Mark and Steve very real parents. I realise I have read books where the MCs have kids but the fact that we never get the kids perspective in such a way that makes the MC a parental figure makes me ignore that label. Because truthfully I couldn't ignore that label for these two. These two are super kinky but something about the fact that they are father-figures really made me cringe. I must confess that I am way closer to James and Dylan's age than Steve and Mark's and also I am not a parent so I can't look at things the way Steve and Mark do. I can't reconcile with Mark and Steve the parents with these kinky individuals. I truly understand James' desire to ignore the fact his father might have sex at all. I never want to think about that either.
I realise that people who are parents would truly gain more from this book because they can identify with both sides of the fence but unfortunately I can truly only identify with one.
Also, there also remains the fact that the first thing that Mark focuses on when he realises Dylan is Steve's son is his issues. I haven't forgiven him for that. I know he did apologize but the fact that we don't see it play out given our two narrators means there is something in me that needs closure regarding this issue. And since I can't in all capacity forgive Mark I wonder how Steve can which just makes their relationship that much more complicated for me.
The fact that they are parents automatically puts them on a pedestal for me and I expect more but Mark and Steve truly have nothing figured out with regards to their relationship.
I would have definitely wanted more Frances but I get that the choice of narrators prevented that to an extent.
“Are we on a date?” he asked with a rush. Then he took great interest in his straw, too humiliated to look Dylan in the face. It probably wasn’t a date, and Dylan wasn’t interested, and now James had made it supremely awkward again because he was a stupid dork who couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself—
“Possibly,” Dylan said, cutting off James’s silent mental self-berating.
“Uh,” James stuttered. “Oh.”
“I wasn’t sure if you thought of me as someone dateable,” Dylan said in a soft voice.
“Oh! I do!” James said in a rush. “I mean….”
It was too late. Cool was a hundred yards behind him and disappearing quickly.
James and Dylan are the stars of this story for me. They are so cute. I love them so much. There are the snuggliest, cuddliest and squidgiest couple ever. I so totally want another epilogue like that epilogue.
This story blew my mind, it made me realise new things about myself. I feel like people who can see themselves as kids under parental authority and who can see themselves as parental authority would gain much more from this story. Despite all that this story is still pretty amazing.
Cover Art by Garrett Leigh. I love the cover. It has a really fresh look and all that blue just reminds me of beaches and a cover that reminds me of beaches and water can never be bad.
February 28, 2019
Helix is a great read by Anna Martin. I fell in love with this one immediately. And damn, just check out that cover!
Two men start dating at the same time their sons start dating? Yes please! I appreciate the way this was written, it's developed well and at a good pace. There's a lot going on and it's all handled in good fashion.
Everyone has some issues. The dads and both kids. Mark's been raising his teenage twins by himself for most of their lives. Steve's been alone since he adopted Dylan 6 years ago, focusing solely on Dylan's welfare. Steve adopting a teenager melted my heart. I love what he asked for when he wanted to adopt. He's impressive with his compassion and willingness to help. Dylan's past isn't an easy read, leaving him with some mental scars. James is still confused by his sexuality, and meeting Dylan moves things forward.
I adored every second of the romance between the two middle aged men. That is always a favorite of mine. The exhibitionism is Hot! In general, the chemistry between them is amazing, but the desire for public sex is even hotter.
As for the heat level of this one, damn, just damn! James and Dylan have some hot moments, but holy moly, Mark and Steve are downright smoking together. Seriously hot!
As with any Anna Martin book I've read, I'm impressed with the story, in both it's writing and it's uniqueness. Anna is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Anytime I pick up one of Anna's books, I am left riveted and so damn thankful for having read it.
Helix involves a long estranged mother, ex abuse, foster care, and more. It's complicated as the two dads are dating while their sons are dating. The story is one of second chances, both at romance, and in life.
Two men start dating at the same time their sons start dating? Yes please! I appreciate the way this was written, it's developed well and at a good pace. There's a lot going on and it's all handled in good fashion.
Everyone has some issues. The dads and both kids. Mark's been raising his teenage twins by himself for most of their lives. Steve's been alone since he adopted Dylan 6 years ago, focusing solely on Dylan's welfare. Steve adopting a teenager melted my heart. I love what he asked for when he wanted to adopt. He's impressive with his compassion and willingness to help. Dylan's past isn't an easy read, leaving him with some mental scars. James is still confused by his sexuality, and meeting Dylan moves things forward.
I adored every second of the romance between the two middle aged men. That is always a favorite of mine. The exhibitionism is Hot! In general, the chemistry between them is amazing, but the desire for public sex is even hotter.
As for the heat level of this one, damn, just damn! James and Dylan have some hot moments, but holy moly, Mark and Steve are downright smoking together. Seriously hot!
As with any Anna Martin book I've read, I'm impressed with the story, in both it's writing and it's uniqueness. Anna is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. Anytime I pick up one of Anna's books, I am left riveted and so damn thankful for having read it.
Helix involves a long estranged mother, ex abuse, foster care, and more. It's complicated as the two dads are dating while their sons are dating. The story is one of second chances, both at romance, and in life.
February 25, 2019
I’m kind of in the middle on this one. It is a quick read; there are things I liked and things I disliked, and I really think if done differently would have been a great read as the relationship between James and Dylan had major potential.
James is coming of age and going into his first real relationship. Dylan suffered through a remarkably bad childhood and triumphed to become an amazing adult. The bond and relationship they form is special. James is awkward and lacks self-confidence but truly shines when he’s with Dylan. With James, Dylan feels appreciated and loved for only the second time in his life. These guys are good for each other and seem to be made for the long haul together.
If the author had more fully developed the story of the younger couple on page, this could have been an outstanding story. Unfortunately, so much of the story, for both couples really, happens off page and there are major time jumps so this just feels like an incomplete story.
I didn’t care for the relationship between the dads…it seemed like just sex and unnecessary filler. I suppose that’s what causes the conflict, but they didn’t work for me as a couple and their fight escalated to essentially blowing each other off too quickly and the resolution was unbelievably fast as well.
I did really like the relationship between Steve and Dylan. That made Steve more likeable to me whereas Mark is still just a cardboard character.
James’ twin Frankie and Steve’s friends Carl and Brian were all great characters though.
James is coming of age and going into his first real relationship. Dylan suffered through a remarkably bad childhood and triumphed to become an amazing adult. The bond and relationship they form is special. James is awkward and lacks self-confidence but truly shines when he’s with Dylan. With James, Dylan feels appreciated and loved for only the second time in his life. These guys are good for each other and seem to be made for the long haul together.
If the author had more fully developed the story of the younger couple on page, this could have been an outstanding story. Unfortunately, so much of the story, for both couples really, happens off page and there are major time jumps so this just feels like an incomplete story.
I didn’t care for the relationship between the dads…it seemed like just sex and unnecessary filler. I suppose that’s what causes the conflict, but they didn’t work for me as a couple and their fight escalated to essentially blowing each other off too quickly and the resolution was unbelievably fast as well.
I did really like the relationship between Steve and Dylan. That made Steve more likeable to me whereas Mark is still just a cardboard character.
James’ twin Frankie and Steve’s friends Carl and Brian were all great characters though.
March 1, 2019
I fell in love with Ms Martin's work after I got hold of a copy and read Les Faits Accomplis. It remains one of my favourites to this day and opened the door to her remaining work. I enjoy how understated her writing is, and how she presents a situation or thing as if it is less important or serious than it really is.
I loved the relationship between our MCs, James and Dylan. They were upfront with each other from the word go and it was lovely to watch their trust and love grow. I like the slow burn element of their relationship, especially since they were so young and obviously full of UST. I thought that Dylan was charming in the way that he treated James.
One thing that did puzzle me was the relationship between Steve and Mark. I was like, what's that all about? It was almost as if they'd swopped bodies with their kids! They were all over the place. I also wasn't so keen on how their relationship was described at the end of the story 🤔
However, the book was worth reading for the sweetness of James and Dylan together. Their epilogue was epic. I'd love to read in an additional book, or short story how they're getting on. So, a nicely written book, based in a good premis, which, though, didn't quite pan out as it could've done. Still would recommend though, just for the cuteness of Dylan and James' characters.
I loved the relationship between our MCs, James and Dylan. They were upfront with each other from the word go and it was lovely to watch their trust and love grow. I like the slow burn element of their relationship, especially since they were so young and obviously full of UST. I thought that Dylan was charming in the way that he treated James.
One thing that did puzzle me was the relationship between Steve and Mark. I was like, what's that all about? It was almost as if they'd swopped bodies with their kids! They were all over the place. I also wasn't so keen on how their relationship was described at the end of the story 🤔
However, the book was worth reading for the sweetness of James and Dylan together. Their epilogue was epic. I'd love to read in an additional book, or short story how they're getting on. So, a nicely written book, based in a good premis, which, though, didn't quite pan out as it could've done. Still would recommend though, just for the cuteness of Dylan and James' characters.
March 5, 2019
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
James' truck breaks down and he has to call for a tow, when the guy that comes to his rescue is super hot, James of course tries to hide his interest, that is until Dylan, the mechanic, asks for his number. The two hit it off and start a bit of a fledgling relationship. Mark, a single parent of twin teenagers (one of them being James), goes out with his friend and ends up meeting Steve, a single parent of an adopted son, the two have their quickie, but leave the option for another meet up. The two deciding that they are just going to be friends with benefits as they both need to focus on their kids. But what happens when feelings become involved. The younger kids are just starting out, are they ready for a serious relationship. The older two are trying to keep the lines from blurring but with each date it gets a bit harder... until finally it was time for the families to meet. What happens when it turns out they are more connected then they first thought?
This reminded me of a Lifetime movie I watched a long, long time ago.. like the 90's, sans the MM stuff. This has loads of drama and some nice naughty bits. This had the added bonus of not one romance but two. I did want to see more from both relationships, certain things actually played out versus just xyz happened and a nice bow on top. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
James' truck breaks down and he has to call for a tow, when the guy that comes to his rescue is super hot, James of course tries to hide his interest, that is until Dylan, the mechanic, asks for his number. The two hit it off and start a bit of a fledgling relationship. Mark, a single parent of twin teenagers (one of them being James), goes out with his friend and ends up meeting Steve, a single parent of an adopted son, the two have their quickie, but leave the option for another meet up. The two deciding that they are just going to be friends with benefits as they both need to focus on their kids. But what happens when feelings become involved. The younger kids are just starting out, are they ready for a serious relationship. The older two are trying to keep the lines from blurring but with each date it gets a bit harder... until finally it was time for the families to meet. What happens when it turns out they are more connected then they first thought?
This reminded me of a Lifetime movie I watched a long, long time ago.. like the 90's, sans the MM stuff. This has loads of drama and some nice naughty bits. This had the added bonus of not one romance but two. I did want to see more from both relationships, certain things actually played out versus just xyz happened and a nice bow on top. I give this 4 stars.
March 1, 2019
Helix is a standalone book by Anna Martin. It is about two couples, fathers and sons.
James, a high school student, meets Dylan, a hard working college student, when his car bursts into smoke. Mark, a teacher and a single father of twins James and Frankie, meets Steve, a small business owner and single father to Dylan. James keeps Dylan a secret, meeting on the sly while Mark who has hooked up with Steve in the past, considers a relationship.
I preferred James and Dylan, honestly. They were a sweet couple and I was rooting for them. James had many firsts with Dylan and Dylan was very patient and caring for James. Mark and Steve’s "relationship" started hot and heavy with a quickie in a public bathroom. They were a couple, yet also not - they got together and got physical but there was not a whole lot of feelings till the end.
I have to say I was very satisfied by the ending. I was not super into Mark and Steve’s relationship but I was so invested in James and Dylan it caused me not to DNF the book. I am a big fan of Anna Martin’s books so I was expecting a bit more, but overall it was a good book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. **
James, a high school student, meets Dylan, a hard working college student, when his car bursts into smoke. Mark, a teacher and a single father of twins James and Frankie, meets Steve, a small business owner and single father to Dylan. James keeps Dylan a secret, meeting on the sly while Mark who has hooked up with Steve in the past, considers a relationship.
I preferred James and Dylan, honestly. They were a sweet couple and I was rooting for them. James had many firsts with Dylan and Dylan was very patient and caring for James. Mark and Steve’s "relationship" started hot and heavy with a quickie in a public bathroom. They were a couple, yet also not - they got together and got physical but there was not a whole lot of feelings till the end.
I have to say I was very satisfied by the ending. I was not super into Mark and Steve’s relationship but I was so invested in James and Dylan it caused me not to DNF the book. I am a big fan of Anna Martin’s books so I was expecting a bit more, but overall it was a good book.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. **
March 5, 2019
J'ai beaucoup aimé l'histoire mais autant j'ai trouvé que la relation entre Dylan et James était belle et pleine d'émotions, autant je n'ai pas cru un instant en celle entre les deux pères. J'ai eu l'impression que l'auteur à survolé cette relation et à plus approfondi celle entre les deux jeunes, ce qui pour moi à donné une froideur et un manque de passion amoureuse dans la relation entre les deux persos plus âgés. L'attirance sexuelle est bien là, mais j'ai eu beau chercher, je n'ai pas trouvé ce qui pour moi aurait pu être de l'amour avec un grand A.
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