Turning Out

by Serene Franklin

Why settle for less when you can have it all? At twenty-six, Jamie Rey should be living his best life. He’s in his last year of med school, has a solid network of close friends, and family who love and support him. Despite these things, he feels like he’s stuck in a rut. Partying and hooking up is fun, but Jamie wonders if there could be more for him. Not one to stay down for long, Jamie makes a promise to himself to be happier and live his life as authentically as possible. After years of ignoring a part of himself, Jamie is finally ready to come out as bisexual. He’s even open to the once laughable notion of falling in love. A chance encounter at a Halloween party brings Gus into Jamie’s life, changing everything he thought he knew and wanted. Being with Gus is exciting and leads to new experiences—each one better than the last. As fun as things are, Gus is hiding something. Jamie can tell he's holding back, and he’s determined to find out the truth before he lets a good thing slip away. *** Turning Out is an 84k word M/M romance with comedy, moderately low angst, and a sweet HFN.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2019

About the author

Serene Franklin lives in Halifax (Nova Scotia, not California), but has fallen in love with Chicago through research and writing. She has a political science degree, and--more importantly--an adorable and mildly irritating Goldendoodle called Tai.

Serene currently writes contemporary MM romance, but has plans to branch out into other subgenres.

Email: sfwrites801@gmail.com

Instagram: serenity_darko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seren...

Reviews

[ML · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. While this book is technically a stand alone, I wish I knew there was a book before this one so I could have read it first.. It has many of the same characters apparently. I felt like I was starting in the middle of this book when it was just on page 1.

Also, as I was reading the book, I was taken out of the story a few times because I had to look up a few terms of slang like shatter and snapback. For a med student, Jaime smokes a lot of pot, which I found a bit off putting.

Despite all that, I really did like how the author set up the story with Jaime and Gus. Their chemistry was super hot. Gus is just the person Jaime needs in his life.

I would recommend this book and now I am off to read the previous book called Spread.

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I absolutely LOVED Spread, this just didn't do it for me the same way. It was Jamie's slang that just got me every time. I'm not sure where it came from, but it just grated on me. No one else in the book spoke like he did, which made me wonder where he picked it up.

I didn't love Jamie. As a doctor, he seemed to drink and smoke pot a ton. I just wasn't impressed with his character at all.

Gus was sweet and shy and magnificent. He lived a hard life and was made better by taking the opportunity to learn and grow from it, which gave him immense character.

As far as the actual story line, I loved the twists and turns. I felt like I never knew what was going to happen, which kept me on my toes and turning the pages. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first time I read something by this author. It most definitely won't be my last.
This was a great story that I definitely recommend.
This book had me laughing and longing to be friends with these guys.
The characters were fun and very relatable to me.
I felt like I connected with them and could see my self being friends with them.
This was a great story I can't wait to see what's next.

[Diana Glewwe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love for Chicago

As a Chicago girl, I loved all the references to places in the city. The author did a great job adding Chicago flzvor to this cute story. Loved Jamie's story and self discovery.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this! This was a slog because initially I hated Jamie! A cocky jackass with his privilege splashed all over the page - he's rich so takes Uber everywhere, lives in a swanky apartment, a med student but doesn't need to study, gets his first pick of rotations, kills it at all his rotations. Of course he matches for the residency program he wants. He's a lady killer! Love'em and leave'em, that's our Jamie. GAH! Because I read this as part of a GR challenge, I opted not to DNF. By the time I got to 50%, after checking the % read obsessively, it started to pick up. So Jamie has always thought he was bi but never really acted on it. He decides to explore that aspect and meets Gus. Gus has issues but he and Jamie stumble into a relationship and lo and behold, Jamie becomes human, hence, my rating! A little backstory here - so this appears to be the second book written by this author. Most of the characters, including Jamie's brother who is one of the MCs in that book, are introduced in that first book Spread. But interestingly, that little tidbit doesn't appear anyway. It was an astute Goodreader who pointed it out in her review. Now it didn't necessarily take away anything from this book but it is disconcerting to have this whole cast of characters who seem to know each other and it's because there was a book 1. You can read, however, this as a standalone. Why 4 stars? Jamie in love and a little bit insecure was finally a real person. I loved his sensitivity to Gus and his issues. His tendency to research everything led to some hilarity such as when he visits a sex shop “I need a douche and anything else a professional such as you can recommend for an anal sex newb.” "He grinned at me from ear to ear, and we started with glass butt plugs." Good writing. Just needs to be tightened up a bit. Very wordy which contributed to how long it took me to read this. But a very engaging story. Gus and Jamie were wonderful together. Not a big social media presence, other than Twitter and Instagram, but this is her second book. Once I recover from the onslaught that is Jamie, I'll circle back to the first book.

[Ana Nimity · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Theo and Masa, although Theo needed a good hard kick in the buttocks. This is Theo's younger brother Jamie's story, and Jamie is so different from Theo that it's almost hard to believe they're related. Almost. Jamie is smart, funny, and yet so stream-of-consciousness, no-filter, what-you-see-is-what-you-get that you never know what you're going to get from him. Gus has enough filter for both of them and makes a perfect match for Jamie's let-it-all-hang-out, seemingly lackidasical self. These two have chemistry to spare, and there's plenty of hot moments.

My one issue with the book is that Jamie is in med school, getting ready for his residency and he's smoking weed and doing "shatter" (which yes, I had to look up). He stops smoking around Gus because of Gus's drug screens - do residents not have to take drug screens? Maybe I'm wrong, but I would think that most institutions require a drug screen and it takes a solid 30 days to get THC out of your system, longer for chronic smokers. That's nit-picky, I know, and I don't want you to think I didn't enjoy the book because of it - I did enjoy it. I just didn't think there needed to be as much drug use as there was.That said, I recommend this book. It's not necessary to read Spread first, but you should. *I received an advance copy of this book*

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that at first took me a bit to wrap my head around the characters as they comes at you full force, and Jamie is one hurricane of a character, but in one of the most crazy fun and sincere, loving way. Once I was settled in and grounded so to speak, the voices of everyone became like a beautiful melodic melody of color and sound flowing through the pages and imprinting on my mind. When Jamie's identity crisis leads him to open up his horizons more and his cosmically fated meeting with Gus who he referred to as Hunky Mario after a tryst at a Halloween party awaken a spark, a random chance meeting again is the catalyst that lets the sparks take flame. Gus is one of my favorite characters, and when the two men start sharing and exploring and integrating their worlds together beautiful things happen, culminating in one harrowing nail biting sequence that leads to a wonderful and heart warming conclusion. The heat between Jamie and Gus is off the charts hot!! This book is full of so many wonderful characters , from Theo, and his lover, and Dani, ..there is just a lot to love about Turning Out, and I'm so happy I decided to take the chance to give this a go. I will def be following Serene Franklin for more of her work! A def must read!

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story that had me hooked from the very first page and I could not put it down. It is beautifully written, emotional, hilarious, sweet, sexy, has a surprising twist and the characters are incredible. I loved Jamie in the previous book, Spread, and I was really looking forward to reading his story. He and Gus are perfect for each other with their strong connection and smoking hot chemistry. I like how their relationship develops and how different Jamie is after he meets Gus. He still has no filter and says exactly what he is thinking but once he decides that he wants to see Gus again he is very persistent in a cute and not at all stalkerish way. They genuinely enjoy each others company and have a lot of fun together. The secondary characters are a huge part of this story and it's great to see Theo and Masa doing so well. I can't wait to see what this author has in store for us next.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Edga · Rating 4 out of 5]

really thought that I wasn't going to like this. Initially, Jamie really grated on me, he's narcissistic, loud, knows his own worth (and makes sure that everyone else does too!), and has no filter. I very nearly didn't carry on reading.

However, I'm so glad that I did. I realised that Jamie is all of the above, but he's also charming and doesn't take himself very seriously. He's really funny, never stops talking, and is a perfect foil for Gus, his love interest. These two, although very different, are a perfect match for each other. They're also incredibly hot together, and I snorted at Jamie's no holds barred attitude to sex.

If you're looking for an easy read that'll make you smile, with very little angst, then this is for you. Both of the MCs are likeable and decently written. I didn't realise that there is book two of a set, I'll definitely be reading the previous one.

[Dee Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a 4.5 stars. I have found a new author and a new book boyfriend. I loved Jamie. Even with his laid back attitude he took things head on. He didn't shy away from his feelings or what people would think. The way he went after Gus and didn't take no for an answer was awesome. He knew it was something about that man. And they way they took care of each other was swoon worthy. I could take another book with these two.

[jennrubenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book immediately followed "Spread" - I highly recommend reading that one first, I actually discovered that about 2 chapters in and took a break to read it first before continuing with Turning Out. It adds a lot of backstory about Jamie, Theo, Masa, and Dani, as well as Theo and Jamie's parents. The books have as different a feel as the brothers' personalities, but the same goes for the similarities. I enjoyed them both and look forward to reading more from this author!

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this story not realizing there was a book one. This truly can stand alone on it's own. Jamie is a mess. He is funny, sarcastic, and definitely a little immature. So to know he is studying to be a doctor and has a serious side when needed is entertaining in itself. Although I wasn't surprised to find out who Gus was, I did love his background story and how he had gotten to where he was. This book is sugary sweet and has a HEA for the two characters. Curious to whose story is next.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning Out by Serene Franklin is a great read that I definitely recommend. It made me laugh and had lots of sweet moments and a few sexy ones. The characters are fun and likeable... I love Gus and Jamie together. They have a great connection, able to not only have hot sexytimes but make each other laugh. Loved it!

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so good! It took me a little to get into, maybe because I've just had so many different stories running in my head, but I really liked the plot line and the MCs. Jamie and Gus's connection was so sweet during the whole book! I enjoyed reading how the characters developed over time together and love the moment when they realize they need each other!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Great characters, adorable story and accurate representation of gay sex -- which is something I find is often lacking in m/m romances. Keep up the good work Ms. Franklin. 5 well deserved stars.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Turning Out. This is the first book I have read by Serene Franklin and I will certainly be checking out more of her work.
I found this book to be sweet, funny, sexy and emotional. The characters are well written and engaging. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Gus and Jamie.

[Tiffaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one sitting. I loved Jamie and Gus. Jamie has a very funny personality. He comes across as a bit immature for a 26 year old but I quickly got into the groove of the writing and his manner of speaking. He's a fun character! Gus is the complete opposite and I loved how much these two laughed together during the beginning stages of their dating. Gus' secrets reveal wasn't as dramatic as I thought.

This can be read as a standalone but I probably should have read the authors debut novel. Jamie's brother Theo and his boyfriend Masa are the couple in that one and they are heavily featured as side characters in this story. I would definitely recommend this book.

*** Also this book has a Chicago setting. Which is where I am from. 💯 I would have never guessed the author was from Nova Scotia.

[Helen Oakes]

DNF @ 20% and I only made it that far by skim reading. I just couldn’t get into the story at all! I’ll probably try reading it again at a later date.

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamie is in med school. He meets this guy at a party and is immediately drawn to him. The guy, however, is just looking for one quick moment. When they meet again, Jamie is determined that they should be together. The guy, who we eventually learn is Gus, tries to stay away and is pretty shady with his details, but Jamie doesn’t care. He thinks they are good together and goes all in for it. I liked this aspect, and really saw the uphill road they had to climb to come together. We were teased about finding out Gus’s real identity, and I had it figured out pretty early on.

So I seem to be in a bit of a minority here, but I didn’t love this book. It was very well written and engaging, but I didn’t much love Jamie as a main character. Jamie’s character seemed to be a bit over the top. He apparently loved to do some drugs and did them often, but it seemed like it would not really be fitting for Jamie’s overall personality. He’s just finishing med school and applying for residencies. One would think they would worry about drug testing, but I guess not. I also didn’t love how Jamie kind of seemed to dismiss all of Gus’s concerns and take care of things for him instead of work with him and truly acknowledge Gus’s pride and desire to do things himself. I loved Gus, though. He was a sweet guy trying to find his way back to solid ground. I was happy that he found happiness, even if it annoyed me a little bit along the way.

Also, I wish I had know this was connected to her other book. As I was reading about Theo and Masa here, I could tell I was missing some background. This could be a stand-alone overall, but there were definitely parts I wish I understood more, and I probably would have if I knew about and read the other book.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services

[Meg (queer_book_recs) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really loved this book, but I feel like I can’t in good conscience recommend it because of the racist “jokes” said by the main character to his friend Scotty who is African. Also, he only calls him Scotty because when he met him he couldn’t pronounce his real name. Another face-palm moment for me reading this book. If the racist stuff was removed I’d rate it at least 4 stars, because I really loved everything else about this book.