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Harrison Campus #1
Better Be Sure
A Harrison Campus Story
When the stakes are this high, you better be sure you can win.
Jackson Murphy lost his parents to a boating accident, but they’re never far from his thoughts. He attends the same university as his parents, joined the same fraternity as his dad, and even lives in his father’s old room, along with his adopted brother, Marcus. Life brightens when he meets the man of his dreams.
Edward Knowles trades full-time college for working during the day and community college at night when his father’s factory closes. He intends to stay deep in the closet to keep his job in heating and cooling. But Jack pushes all his buttons.
Jack’s college rival challenges him to bring a date to the upcoming dance. He goads Jack into accepting even though failure means he and Marcus will lose their room and Jack must leave the fraternity.
Jack is falling hard for Ed, but Ed will never agree to go the dance. Ed—not knowing the stakes of the wager—has also made it clear that Jack taking another man will end their romance.
With pressure from friends and enemies alike, will Jack hold on to his legacy… or his heart?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
79 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
June 13, 2020
Anyone who regularly follows my reviews knows that I love me some Anyta Sunday; however, while this author collaboration story was "fine", I did *not* care for the college fraternity bet aspect of the story at all. :- /
Everyone, please repeat after me:
Bets. Are. NEVER. A. Good. Idea.
I did really like both Jack and Ed, though, but there was also a lack of communication (when being up-front would have been sooooo very easy to do), and the much-dreaded Big Misunderstanding, followed by a separation -- none of which will ever be on my top 1,000 things in books.
Ideally, if I were behind the typewriter, Harper, the rich asshole with whom Jack made the bet, would have gotten hit by a bus (or five) within two pages of making the (extremely moronic and pointless) bet, followed by him being swallowed up by an active volcano (or five), then every-goddamn-body would've been free to date, fall in love, and live happily ever after. The End.
Other than Harper and his Schmuck Patrol, I enjoyed all of the other side characters, who contributed to the story, instead of feeling like mere page filler.
And the steam was pretty... steamy. I am always a big fan of stories where the MC's get all flip-floppy in the bedroom, so kudos for that bit of equal opportunity role swapping.
As for the ending, it was nice, but precisely as I would've predicted it would go, if I'd been asked to take a guess post-blurb before reading.
I'd rate this one at around 3.25 stars and have to admit that I think I'm more of a fan of Anyta's solo projects, but I'm more than willing to be proved wrong when I read book 2 of this series.
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June 2, 2020
I'm a huge Anyta Sunday fan, and I beta read for her often, but Better Be Sure was an odd read for me.
I could tell right away it was an older book (at least, I hope it was) because it had a lot of awkward phrasing and confusing scenes. That intro football scene was particularly disorienting for me. There was a stiffness and a forced-feeling to the writing that didn't work for me. There were also character inconsistencies that needed resolving.
What really made me struggle with this book was the absolutely unnecessarily ridiculous set up to the major tension in the plot. Books with forced conflict due to betting don't usually work for me, but a bet of this magnitude when the MC knew how much was riding on it, and a bet that was insanely easy to win (just explain things, dude, it's a pretty important bet!!) didn't make a whole lot of sense. I didn't get why the bet was made in the first place, I didn't get why Jack didn't just explain things to Ed, and I didn't get why Jack didn't just tell the frat boys to screw themselves and keep going on his merry way.
This was an unnecessarily dramatic read that felt very, very teenage drama. I was not into it, but I hope the series continues to improve as these two authors have certainly stepped up their game since this was written.
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I could tell right away it was an older book (at least, I hope it was) because it had a lot of awkward phrasing and confusing scenes. That intro football scene was particularly disorienting for me. There was a stiffness and a forced-feeling to the writing that didn't work for me. There were also character inconsistencies that needed resolving.
What really made me struggle with this book was the absolutely unnecessarily ridiculous set up to the major tension in the plot. Books with forced conflict due to betting don't usually work for me, but a bet of this magnitude when the MC knew how much was riding on it, and a bet that was insanely easy to win (just explain things, dude, it's a pretty important bet!!) didn't make a whole lot of sense. I didn't get why the bet was made in the first place, I didn't get why Jack didn't just explain things to Ed, and I didn't get why Jack didn't just tell the frat boys to screw themselves and keep going on his merry way.
This was an unnecessarily dramatic read that felt very, very teenage drama. I was not into it, but I hope the series continues to improve as these two authors have certainly stepped up their game since this was written.
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May 28, 2020*This is a re-release that Andy and I got the rights back to from Dreamspinner. *
It's special to me because it's how I got to know Andy and became his friend--all the way back when we were starting our writing career at Gay Authors. <3 It's been a privilege to work with him and a lot of fun, and last year we decided to write two additional books in the Harrison Campus world: Better Have Heart, and Better Be True. (which will also be out this summer.)
<3 <3 <3
It's special to me because it's how I got to know Andy and became his friend--all the way back when we were starting our writing career at Gay Authors. <3 It's been a privilege to work with him and a lot of fun, and last year we decided to write two additional books in the Harrison Campus world: Better Have Heart, and Better Be True. (which will also be out this summer.)
<3 <3 <3
May 28, 2020
This was a total rollercoaster - not because of feelings, but because it was both wonderfully sweet in some and sort of off-putting in other aspects.
Content warnings include: PTSD, panic attacks, people being real jerks, sex on-page a lot of insults based on penis size; mentions of homophobia, drug abuse, death of parents, cheating, underage drinking, unemployment.
The book is very upfront about being about the growing relationship between an out and a closeted gay guy, and that a lot depends on the closeted one coming out. A refreshing nuance to the setup of the plot was that for once the guy in the fraternity is the out gay guy instead of he closeted one. I both really liked and really disliked how the whole being closeted thing was handled.
I think what threw me off the most was how inconsistent it was. When Jack, who is out, first finds out that Ed is in the closet, he has close to no reaction, only for him to later be kind of a jerk about it. He then sort of flip flops between being absolutely wonderful and respectful, and making some really shitty comments. This applies to side characters and other side plots as well.
The whole being-closeted plot aside, I really like Jack and Ed's romance. They were super sweet and loving. The side plots around Jack's friends were equally lovely, and I found myself genuinely invested in them.
However, there was a weird vibe going on a lot of the time: things kept getting implied to build tension, except the things that were implied were totally off and did not fit with what ended up happening. For example, I spent the entire beginning convinced that something was going on between Marcus and Ed due to comments made by the two of them and surrounding circumstances, but the two had nothing to do with each other in the end.
I was also bothered with how some of the drama felt very fabricated and in my opinion went too far without every being called out. There were several instances that were so over the top that broke my suspension of disbelief and threw me out of my reading flow.
I still had a good time reading the book. There really were a lot of sweet moments, and I particularly loved how the death of Jack's parents and his trauma from it was handled (by his friends, at least). There were however too many off moments for me to look back on the book without a frown.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Content warnings include: PTSD, panic attacks, people being real jerks, sex on-page a lot of insults based on penis size; mentions of homophobia, drug abuse, death of parents, cheating, underage drinking, unemployment.
The book is very upfront about being about the growing relationship between an out and a closeted gay guy, and that a lot depends on the closeted one coming out. A refreshing nuance to the setup of the plot was that for once the guy in the fraternity is the out gay guy instead of he closeted one. I both really liked and really disliked how the whole being closeted thing was handled.
I think what threw me off the most was how inconsistent it was. When Jack, who is out, first finds out that Ed is in the closet, he has close to no reaction, only for him to later be kind of a jerk about it. He then sort of flip flops between being absolutely wonderful and respectful, and making some really shitty comments. This applies to side characters and other side plots as well.
The whole being-closeted plot aside, I really like Jack and Ed's romance. They were super sweet and loving. The side plots around Jack's friends were equally lovely, and I found myself genuinely invested in them.
However, there was a weird vibe going on a lot of the time: things kept getting implied to build tension, except the things that were implied were totally off and did not fit with what ended up happening. For example, I spent the entire beginning convinced that something was going on between Marcus and Ed due to comments made by the two of them and surrounding circumstances, but the two had nothing to do with each other in the end.
I was also bothered with how some of the drama felt very fabricated and in my opinion went too far without every being called out. There were several instances that were so over the top that broke my suspension of disbelief and threw me out of my reading flow.
I still had a good time reading the book. There really were a lot of sweet moments, and I particularly loved how the death of Jack's parents and his trauma from it was handled (by his friends, at least). There were however too many off moments for me to look back on the book without a frown.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 1, 2019
Jack and his adopted brother Marcus are sharing a room at the Harrison Campus.
They both are living in the same room their fathers lived. Jack lost his parents to a tragic accident so living here is keeping him close to his dad.
Jack sees a hot guy in a bookstore and he can’t take his eyes off him. The guy even gives him a shy smile. When he loses sight of him he can’t find him anywhere. But luck is with him when he runs into him again at a cafe.
Ed is working his ass off, and besides work, he studies, basically he does this all for his family, because his dad lost his job.
Jack likes a good bet. Well better to say he likes to bet with everything. One time this will fire back on him. And now he has a bet with the awful guy Harper, a huge bet. If he can’t take a date to the college dance he will have to leave his room and the fraternity house.
Jack and Ed start something but it's all in secret. Ed is so far in the closet it’s like he's in Narnia and he can’t come out, he will lose his job and that can’t happen!
First, Jack is okay with it but he couldn’t foresee his bet would put him in huge trouble.
Give up his room or give up his heart.
Jack and Ed are main characters but there are more secondary characters and side stories you don’t want to miss. Even though the characters all stayed a bit on the surface, for this story their development was enough. It’s book one of a series, I wonder about the next one if we see them back and get to know more about them. I found that this story was built up very well. The flashbacks from Jack are all emotional and palpable. The way of writing was engaging and the whole story was smoothly written and with a comfortable pace.
Overall a sweet and engaging story which I enjoyed.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
They both are living in the same room their fathers lived. Jack lost his parents to a tragic accident so living here is keeping him close to his dad.
Jack sees a hot guy in a bookstore and he can’t take his eyes off him. The guy even gives him a shy smile. When he loses sight of him he can’t find him anywhere. But luck is with him when he runs into him again at a cafe.
Ed is working his ass off, and besides work, he studies, basically he does this all for his family, because his dad lost his job.
Jack likes a good bet. Well better to say he likes to bet with everything. One time this will fire back on him. And now he has a bet with the awful guy Harper, a huge bet. If he can’t take a date to the college dance he will have to leave his room and the fraternity house.
Jack and Ed start something but it's all in secret. Ed is so far in the closet it’s like he's in Narnia and he can’t come out, he will lose his job and that can’t happen!
First, Jack is okay with it but he couldn’t foresee his bet would put him in huge trouble.
Give up his room or give up his heart.
Jack and Ed are main characters but there are more secondary characters and side stories you don’t want to miss. Even though the characters all stayed a bit on the surface, for this story their development was enough. It’s book one of a series, I wonder about the next one if we see them back and get to know more about them. I found that this story was built up very well. The flashbacks from Jack are all emotional and palpable. The way of writing was engaging and the whole story was smoothly written and with a comfortable pace.
Overall a sweet and engaging story which I enjoyed.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
August 27, 2020
So. Much. Drama.
May 12, 2022
Voto: 4.5 stelle
Ci sono storie che trovi al momento giusto e per me è stato così con questa: la lettura perfetta per rilassarmi e coccolarmi dopo una settimana allucinante.
È un libro coccola-perfetto, con due adorabili giovani idioti che sono innamorati l’uno dell’altro ma continuano a fare pasticci e ballano una strana danza di due passi avanti e uno indietro tra un flirt e un malinteso.
Se amate il trope ricco-povero e nerd musicali in perfetta sincronia, umorismo e tenerezza, questo libro fa per voi. Confesso che in un punto mi ha persino fatta commuovere.
Peccato che questo in originale fosse il secondo volume della serie (il primo ancora inedito in Italia), ma ogni volume ha protagonisti diversi, anche se c’è una sorta di continuum nei riferimenti. Adesso vado al terzo, appena uscito, che spero lo eguaglierà.
Ci sono storie che trovi al momento giusto e per me è stato così con questa: la lettura perfetta per rilassarmi e coccolarmi dopo una settimana allucinante.
È un libro coccola-perfetto, con due adorabili giovani idioti che sono innamorati l’uno dell’altro ma continuano a fare pasticci e ballano una strana danza di due passi avanti e uno indietro tra un flirt e un malinteso.
Se amate il trope ricco-povero e nerd musicali in perfetta sincronia, umorismo e tenerezza, questo libro fa per voi. Confesso che in un punto mi ha persino fatta commuovere.
Peccato che questo in originale fosse il secondo volume della serie (il primo ancora inedito in Italia), ma ogni volume ha protagonisti diversi, anche se c’è una sorta di continuum nei riferimenti. Adesso vado al terzo, appena uscito, che spero lo eguaglierà.
June 1, 2020
Thanks to the authors and publisher for a complimentary copy via ANovelTake in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun slow burn college novel featuring Frat brothers betting about bringing a date for the formal. Of course the bet is with the bully of the house and it turns into high stakes for Jackson.
Jackson and Ed were really cute together. I enjoyed how their relationship built into something. This felt realistic, especially with Ed not being out for most of it. Each had stuff they were dealing with, but were supportive of each other. Of course the miscommunication caused an 11th hour break-up, but it was sweet how it all worked out.
This was a fun slow burn college novel featuring Frat brothers betting about bringing a date for the formal. Of course the bet is with the bully of the house and it turns into high stakes for Jackson.
Jackson and Ed were really cute together. I enjoyed how their relationship built into something. This felt realistic, especially with Ed not being out for most of it. Each had stuff they were dealing with, but were supportive of each other. Of course the miscommunication caused an 11th hour break-up, but it was sweet how it all worked out.
June 11, 2020
This book was a bit slow in the beginning, and it took awhile for it to grow on me but it eventually did and it got better.
It was interesting to read about Jack and Ed's different life and views about coming out and such. I really liked that they had conversations about serious topics and mostly communicated well. But I would have liked to read it from Ed's perspective too, to get to know him even better and get to know his thoughts (even though he told Jack a lot so of course we got to know him quite well anyway).
For some reason I didn't really fell in love with the side characters which was a shame since some of them were such a big part of Jack's life, and they had a lot of scenes together. (They were not bad people, sometimes you just don't click with a character so this is on me haha)
But to summarize, Jack and Ed were very cute together and it was nice to read about them meeting, getting to know each other, falling in love and solving the problems they met along the way. Also very nice passionate scenes ;)
An enjoyable read :) 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to A Novel Take PR!
It was interesting to read about Jack and Ed's different life and views about coming out and such. I really liked that they had conversations about serious topics and mostly communicated well. But I would have liked to read it from Ed's perspective too, to get to know him even better and get to know his thoughts (even though he told Jack a lot so of course we got to know him quite well anyway).
For some reason I didn't really fell in love with the side characters which was a shame since some of them were such a big part of Jack's life, and they had a lot of scenes together. (They were not bad people, sometimes you just don't click with a character so this is on me haha)
But to summarize, Jack and Ed were very cute together and it was nice to read about them meeting, getting to know each other, falling in love and solving the problems they met along the way. Also very nice passionate scenes ;)
An enjoyable read :) 3.5 stars.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to A Novel Take PR!
April 15, 2021
Gods, this is such a sloppy mess. The writing is amateurish and occasionally confusing. My notes and highlights explain my issues with a lot of it. I definitely won't be continuing with the series, and I'll never read anything else written by Andy Gallo. I feel like Anyta Sunday should feel a little ashamed having her name attached to this. Though her input is probably the only factor that kept this from being a one star read for me. The romance is... Unsatisfying. Everything is wrapped up way too easily... After watching Jack devalue himself over and over. He called himself selfish for thinking for a moment that Ed could come out... And Ed didn't disagree.
And then there's the part at the end where Jack bullies his bully, which just... No. Damn it. No.*Sigh*
I'm having a hard time putting this into words. It just... Isn't very good.
And then there's the part at the end where Jack bullies his bully, which just... No. Damn it. No.*Sigh*
I'm having a hard time putting this into words. It just... Isn't very good.
May 27, 2020
I'll admit, the main thing that drew me to this book is one of the author's names. The other I've never read before. But anywho. So, Ed is in the closet, which poses so many problems for him and Jack. Not the least of which is a dumb bet and Ed's job. His family seems pretty great. And Jack is a sensitive, caring guy who's been through a lot and has very loyal friends.
I like how once they start hanging out, they want to be with each other as much as possible. I also liked the little side love stories of Jack's friends. And I like Ed's moments of braveness. It did take me a sec to get into this, but overall I enjoyed it. It's a good start to a new series.
I like how once they start hanging out, they want to be with each other as much as possible. I also liked the little side love stories of Jack's friends. And I like Ed's moments of braveness. It did take me a sec to get into this, but overall I enjoyed it. It's a good start to a new series.
September 11, 2021
DNF at 40%
I knew my reading buddy's did not like this novel but I thought the narration could make it better.
It was just boring. At 40% nothing has happened that wasn't mentioned in the blurb. I still don't know the characters of the protagonists. All the drama comes from one bully. And I would like to feel tension and frustration when the protagonist feels like that. You don't accomplish that by writing 'Jack felt frustrated and tense.'
I knew my reading buddy's did not like this novel but I thought the narration could make it better.
It was just boring. At 40% nothing has happened that wasn't mentioned in the blurb. I still don't know the characters of the protagonists. All the drama comes from one bully. And I would like to feel tension and frustration when the protagonist feels like that. You don't accomplish that by writing 'Jack felt frustrated and tense.'
May 27, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This story is full blown college angst. After an ill advised bet, Jack promises to move out of his fraternity if he doesn’t bring a date to the formal. Shortly after, Jack falls hard for Ed. But Ed doesn’t attend the college - and he’s firmly in the closet.
It’s only Jack’s tragic history and his friendship with his adopted brother that make him a slightly sympathetic character. Even knowing his past, I kept having to force myself to care about his bet. The fraternity microaggressions feel incredibly trivial and I’m not sure the bet is quite enough to hold a whole book.
Ed is a more sympathetic character but closeted young adults are increasingly less believable plot device. Ed is romantic in an 80s teen movie kind of way but we don’t get much more because the story really belongs to Jack.
Honestly, readers who want some teen drama will probably enjoy this. Anyone who can’t be dealing with the first world problems of spoiled rich kids will need to give this a hard pass. Readers who worked their way through college like Ed will find themselves thoroughly annoyed by the pampered lives and trivial conflicts between the boys in Jack’s fraternity.
This story is full blown college angst. After an ill advised bet, Jack promises to move out of his fraternity if he doesn’t bring a date to the formal. Shortly after, Jack falls hard for Ed. But Ed doesn’t attend the college - and he’s firmly in the closet.
It’s only Jack’s tragic history and his friendship with his adopted brother that make him a slightly sympathetic character. Even knowing his past, I kept having to force myself to care about his bet. The fraternity microaggressions feel incredibly trivial and I’m not sure the bet is quite enough to hold a whole book.
Ed is a more sympathetic character but closeted young adults are increasingly less believable plot device. Ed is romantic in an 80s teen movie kind of way but we don’t get much more because the story really belongs to Jack.
Honestly, readers who want some teen drama will probably enjoy this. Anyone who can’t be dealing with the first world problems of spoiled rich kids will need to give this a hard pass. Readers who worked their way through college like Ed will find themselves thoroughly annoyed by the pampered lives and trivial conflicts between the boys in Jack’s fraternity.
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June 6, 2020I spent a lot of this book trying to figure out if Jack’s MC was Marcus or Ed.
Then I spent the rest of it frustrated with the bet. I don’t mind drama but this was a lot. And there was a lot of hot and cold.
Oh and some ugly slurs completely turned me off.
Then I spent the rest of it frustrated with the bet. I don’t mind drama but this was a lot. And there was a lot of hot and cold.
Oh and some ugly slurs completely turned me off.
June 4, 2020
This took me a bit of time to get into and to actually care what happened to these characters.
I think it would have helped to be dual POV.
I would have loved to know Ed’s mind on some of the situations (Jackson and Ed) found themselves in.
All in all, the book had a satisfying end which made it worth reading.
I think it would have helped to be dual POV.
I would have loved to know Ed’s mind on some of the situations (Jackson and Ed) found themselves in.
All in all, the book had a satisfying end which made it worth reading.
May 22, 2020
I love Anyta Sunday books so it was a given that I was going to enjoy it, however I didn't love it was much as Marc Jillson because while it was sweet and even hot in places, there was just something missing. It was also completely obvious how it was going to end too. Not that I really minded but it took a lot of the angst out of it. I think my main problem was Ed. I don't think I appreciated him treating Jack like a dirty secret and yeah, his coming out should be at his pace etc but Jack was just so nice about it all and Ed took advantage of that.
I loved all the other stories going on around and am looking forward to Darren's book
I loved all the other stories going on around and am looking forward to Darren's book
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April 19, 2019A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Andy Gallo has released his first solo novel, Better Be Sure, and it’s a really nice college romance. Jackson has lost both his parents and is slowly recovering from the trauma. He has been through some counseling and has been supported by his best friend, Marcus, and Marcus’ parents who are his guardians, making he and Marcus “brothers.” Now at college, Jackson and Marcus are living in the very same room their dads had as college students and it means everything to Jackson to be there. It’s his last link to his dad and nothing is going to make him give it up, not even the stupid bet he took when he was pushed around by the guy who loves to bait him and who cheated on Jackson’s best gal pal. Then he meets Ed and something so simple like dating becomes a minefield for both guys.
All Ed knows is the last guy to come out as gay at the garage he works at was fired a few weeks later. He can’t risk that exposure since his own dad lost his job and can’t find a new one. His money is vital to his parents and has kept Ed working and attending only community college to earn his degree. Staying in the closet isn’t ideal, but it’s the only way to go and until Jackson showed up, it was enough. Now Ed is faced with the very real problem of either losing his job or giving up Jackson whom he cares for too much to see stuck in the closet with him.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Andy Gallo has released his first solo novel, Better Be Sure, and it’s a really nice college romance. Jackson has lost both his parents and is slowly recovering from the trauma. He has been through some counseling and has been supported by his best friend, Marcus, and Marcus’ parents who are his guardians, making he and Marcus “brothers.” Now at college, Jackson and Marcus are living in the very same room their dads had as college students and it means everything to Jackson to be there. It’s his last link to his dad and nothing is going to make him give it up, not even the stupid bet he took when he was pushed around by the guy who loves to bait him and who cheated on Jackson’s best gal pal. Then he meets Ed and something so simple like dating becomes a minefield for both guys.
All Ed knows is the last guy to come out as gay at the garage he works at was fired a few weeks later. He can’t risk that exposure since his own dad lost his job and can’t find a new one. His money is vital to his parents and has kept Ed working and attending only community college to earn his degree. Staying in the closet isn’t ideal, but it’s the only way to go and until Jackson showed up, it was enough. Now Ed is faced with the very real problem of either losing his job or giving up Jackson whom he cares for too much to see stuck in the closet with him.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
May 30, 2020
*ARC provided by A Novel Take*
I'm pretty torn about this one. The premise was great- the excecution was mostly nice. However, I wasn't really convinced about the pairing. Ed's position was understandable, but it wasn't a promising starting point for me to feel comfortable about the love story. As it was, the drama because of the Ed situation made things feel off-pace at once. I also didn't appreciate the fact that some very necessary serious conversations were always cut short by means of sexual interactions. It was hard to imagine what kind of future this relationship may have.
Due to the obvious (vague, but it's in the blurb itself), it was, sadly, difficult for me to fully get behind both MCs. However, I must admit the secondary characters were a great adition to round up the story and made it much more interesting.
I wish I had much more positive things to say, but overall I wasn't really impressed with this one. The fact that I was diving into a story knowing that it wasn't going to be 100% Anyta Sunday showed in more unflattering ways than I had predicted.
It is with a heavy heart that I give this a 2.5 star rating.
I'm pretty torn about this one. The premise was great- the excecution was mostly nice. However, I wasn't really convinced about the pairing. Ed's position was understandable, but it wasn't a promising starting point for me to feel comfortable about the love story. As it was, the drama because of the Ed situation made things feel off-pace at once. I also didn't appreciate the fact that some very necessary serious conversations were always cut short by means of sexual interactions. It was hard to imagine what kind of future this relationship may have.
Due to the obvious (vague, but it's in the blurb itself), it was, sadly, difficult for me to fully get behind both MCs. However, I must admit the secondary characters were a great adition to round up the story and made it much more interesting.
I wish I had much more positive things to say, but overall I wasn't really impressed with this one. The fact that I was diving into a story knowing that it wasn't going to be 100% Anyta Sunday showed in more unflattering ways than I had predicted.
It is with a heavy heart that I give this a 2.5 star rating.
April 1, 2019
3.25*
This book took me a minute to get into, but that may have been my issue, not the books. Once I really started going it picked up though.
Jacks frat brother and ex are such douchebags, it's kind of a "love to hate them" situation. His ex was completely unsympathetic and it was totally sickening. Thankfully it's all hearsay and we don't actually have to live through their relationship.
This group of guys love a friendly and not so friendly competition. So Jack is bet he leaves the house if he can't get a date to the formal. (I think this is what I was hung up on). Turns out, he's kind of a pariah because of his ex, which we learn about later, which makes more sense.
In the meantime, Jack actually finds someone off campus he's attracted to while buying his brother a gift. The guy, Ed, is a bit older, not from campus, and deeply closeted.
I wanted to hate Ed, I really did. But he was so sweet, sincere and honest when letting Jack down, that I couldn't be mad at him .With each occurrence though, Ed got braver and braver and it was so awesome.
I don't want to give much of the story away anymore, but I'm glad I braved through the beginning, it turned into a pretty sweet story.
This book took me a minute to get into, but that may have been my issue, not the books. Once I really started going it picked up though.
Jacks frat brother and ex are such douchebags, it's kind of a "love to hate them" situation. His ex was completely unsympathetic and it was totally sickening. Thankfully it's all hearsay and we don't actually have to live through their relationship.
This group of guys love a friendly and not so friendly competition. So Jack is bet he leaves the house if he can't get a date to the formal. (I think this is what I was hung up on). Turns out, he's kind of a pariah because of his ex, which we learn about later, which makes more sense.
In the meantime, Jack actually finds someone off campus he's attracted to while buying his brother a gift. The guy, Ed, is a bit older, not from campus, and deeply closeted.
I wanted to hate Ed, I really did. But he was so sweet, sincere and honest when letting Jack down, that I couldn't be mad at him .With each occurrence though, Ed got braver and braver and it was so awesome.
I don't want to give much of the story away anymore, but I'm glad I braved through the beginning, it turned into a pretty sweet story.
May 29, 2020
It was an ok book all things considered, if a bit odd at times. Beware, it starts with what (to me) a very odd football scene. I had to go back and check I hadn't clicked another book by mistake. And I say odd because neither Jack or Ed play football currently, and Marcus (Jack's brother), who does play sports, plays lacrosse. It is, in fact, the right book.
One thing that really bothered me what how inconsistent Jack's mental health problems were. His parents died, and for some reason that caused him to have panic attacks. Which are, for some reason, triggered by nice memories of them. And he took antidepressants for them. Odd.
It would be more common for someone to experience depression after loss, especially when he wasn't present in the accident. Plus, panic attacks are usually triggered by stress, not sadness or longing. As someone with panic attacks who has also experienced depression, I found myself cringing every time Jack had an attack due to how bad they were portrayed. Yes, it bothered me that much.
All in all, I found the plot points to be a bit too exaggerated to be credible to make the story work as planned.
One thing that really bothered me what how inconsistent Jack's mental health problems were. His parents died, and for some reason that caused him to have panic attacks. Which are, for some reason, triggered by nice memories of them. And he took antidepressants for them. Odd.
It would be more common for someone to experience depression after loss, especially when he wasn't present in the accident. Plus, panic attacks are usually triggered by stress, not sadness or longing. As someone with panic attacks who has also experienced depression, I found myself cringing every time Jack had an attack due to how bad they were portrayed. Yes, it bothered me that much.
All in all, I found the plot points to be a bit too exaggerated to be credible to make the story work as planned.
September 26, 2020
2 and 1/2 stars raised to 3. I only gave it three stars because I love Anyta Sunday so much. I just couldn’t believe she wrote a book I didn’t love. I read the reviews from people I trust but I couldn’t believe them. I actually found the story frustrating. I loved the beginning, but then stupid bet and everything just kink of went downhill. Oh well, even a great writer doesn’t score every time.
April 8, 2019
The frat boys and the bet made the book seem more junior high than college. Jack and Ed we’re dealing with real world issues. Too much page time was spent on the juvenile matters at the frat.
June 1, 2020
It's been a while since I've read a book resembling this one. In a way it's a typical New Adult, yet there is something about both characters as well as the setting of a college sorority that almost made these two (and the people around them) feel even younger than they actually were. Yet both MC are dealing with difficult issues - Jack with the loss of his parents and Ed with financial problems which also impact his struggle with coming out as gay.
Jackson Murphy and Marcus Reynolds are best friends, just like their dads used to be. They are even sharing the same exact room their fathers shared in their own years at Harrison college. Yet the excitement is more bitter than sweet considering the accident that resulted in the death of both Jack's parents. He is still dealing with it, having panic attacks but Marcus' presence helps.
Jack loves a fun bet, but when he finds himself betting said room as well as his place in the sorority against coming with a date to a dance he starts to doubt his ability considering his bad luck dating guys from college. His hope is renewed, at least for a little bit, when he meets Ed.
Edward Knowles is the sort of endearing shy guy you want to hug like a teddy bear. At least that's the vibe I got from him - I SO wished we got his POV as well (we only got Jack's). He has a loving family and that's a part of the reason he is simply unable to risk their approval with coming out to them. With every minute he spends with Jack, every text sent/received he wants more yet he is paralyzed with fear of the consequences. He doesn't know about the bet. Jack would rather not put him on the spot.. But naturally it only makes things worst for Jack who doesn't want to disappoint Marcus as well if he can't bring Ed and he doesn't feel right bringing anyone else (not that there is anyone out there..).
Besides our sweet not so innocent couple there are also Jack's other friends Brittany and Seth who finds their way into each other's arm, as well as Nessa who Marcus can't get away from. All of them together with a few others from the sorority makes Jack's life more complicated but mostly fun. They can count on one another and though Jack doesn't have any real family left, he can find a sort of family feel with them. Well, aside from Harper and his cronies (who made the bet in the first place).
I liked this book but I can't say I loved it. I was frustrated with Ed quite a lot. I wanted him to stop being afraid and ACT on what he feels. I also think that though Jack used to be in therapy after his parents' death he needs more now considering the amount of flashbacks and panic attacks he had during the book. I would have liked for the issue to be dealt in a more professional way. For me it's a more of a rounded up 4 stars I guess. Though I'm excited to see where Anyta and Andy take us in the next installment of Darren Gage (who used to be one of Harper's cronies) and Isaiah Nettles (whom we haven't met yet).
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
Jackson Murphy and Marcus Reynolds are best friends, just like their dads used to be. They are even sharing the same exact room their fathers shared in their own years at Harrison college. Yet the excitement is more bitter than sweet considering the accident that resulted in the death of both Jack's parents. He is still dealing with it, having panic attacks but Marcus' presence helps.
Jack loves a fun bet, but when he finds himself betting said room as well as his place in the sorority against coming with a date to a dance he starts to doubt his ability considering his bad luck dating guys from college. His hope is renewed, at least for a little bit, when he meets Ed.
Edward Knowles is the sort of endearing shy guy you want to hug like a teddy bear. At least that's the vibe I got from him - I SO wished we got his POV as well (we only got Jack's). He has a loving family and that's a part of the reason he is simply unable to risk their approval with coming out to them. With every minute he spends with Jack, every text sent/received he wants more yet he is paralyzed with fear of the consequences. He doesn't know about the bet. Jack would rather not put him on the spot.. But naturally it only makes things worst for Jack who doesn't want to disappoint Marcus as well if he can't bring Ed and he doesn't feel right bringing anyone else (not that there is anyone out there..).
Besides our sweet not so innocent couple there are also Jack's other friends Brittany and Seth who finds their way into each other's arm, as well as Nessa who Marcus can't get away from. All of them together with a few others from the sorority makes Jack's life more complicated but mostly fun. They can count on one another and though Jack doesn't have any real family left, he can find a sort of family feel with them. Well, aside from Harper and his cronies (who made the bet in the first place).
I liked this book but I can't say I loved it. I was frustrated with Ed quite a lot. I wanted him to stop being afraid and ACT on what he feels. I also think that though Jack used to be in therapy after his parents' death he needs more now considering the amount of flashbacks and panic attacks he had during the book. I would have liked for the issue to be dealt in a more professional way. For me it's a more of a rounded up 4 stars I guess. Though I'm excited to see where Anyta and Andy take us in the next installment of Darren Gage (who used to be one of Harper's cronies) and Isaiah Nettles (whom we haven't met yet).
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
May 26, 2020
I really liked this book.
This is a story about Jack and Ed.
Jack is out and single. He made a bet with a guy he doesn't like and who happens to be one of his fraternity brothers, that he will have a date for a fraternity formal. If he loses, he will have to move out and leave the fraternity. Luckily, then he meets a sweet and nice guy and after a few non-official dates, they start dating for real. What a perfect chance to get the guy and the bet. There's only one problem, Ed is not out. They start sneaking around, Jack meets his parents, Ed eventually and hesitantly meets Jack's brother and best friend...
After Jack confesses everything to Ed, surprisingly, Ed doesn't run, but decides that he can't be Jack's date at the formal in case someone recognizes him and outs him to his family and co-workers.
Without spoiling much, after a few disagreements and tense moments, everything turned out perfect in the end.
I loved Jack very much and I adored his brother Marcus. There are so many amazing characters in this book.
The only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5, is that I don't understand how can people risk everything for a bet. I'm not a person who would willingly give up control of my life and put it in someone else's hands, and in my opinion, making bets is exactly that. Someone other than you gets to make a decision for you and that's just not okay. Especially when people take bets so seriously, like in this book. For me, it's pointless and so not worth it.
Thank you to A Novel Take PR for sending me an ARC of this book!
This is a story about Jack and Ed.
Jack is out and single. He made a bet with a guy he doesn't like and who happens to be one of his fraternity brothers, that he will have a date for a fraternity formal. If he loses, he will have to move out and leave the fraternity. Luckily, then he meets a sweet and nice guy and after a few non-official dates, they start dating for real. What a perfect chance to get the guy and the bet. There's only one problem, Ed is not out. They start sneaking around, Jack meets his parents, Ed eventually and hesitantly meets Jack's brother and best friend...
After Jack confesses everything to Ed, surprisingly, Ed doesn't run, but decides that he can't be Jack's date at the formal in case someone recognizes him and outs him to his family and co-workers.
Without spoiling much, after a few disagreements and tense moments, everything turned out perfect in the end.
I loved Jack very much and I adored his brother Marcus. There are so many amazing characters in this book.
The only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5, is that I don't understand how can people risk everything for a bet. I'm not a person who would willingly give up control of my life and put it in someone else's hands, and in my opinion, making bets is exactly that. Someone other than you gets to make a decision for you and that's just not okay. Especially when people take bets so seriously, like in this book. For me, it's pointless and so not worth it.
Thank you to A Novel Take PR for sending me an ARC of this book!
May 29, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars.
Better Be Sure is the first installment in the Harrison Campus series, coauthored by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. Andy Gallo is a new-to-me author, whereas I have read most of Sunday's backlist.
I have to admit, I struggled with the writing style at the start. As the story progressed, either the writing became smoother, less choppy bits jarring me from the story, or I got used to it.
Jackson is an orphan, taken in by a friend of the family, whose son was also his best friend, now brother in two ways- family and brothers in a frat as well- a frat their best friend fathers attended during their glory days.
There's a nasty snake in the frat, always making bets, but Jackson is too competitive to back down from a good challenge. He makes a bet that he might not be able to win, which could cause him to lose his spot in the house, which would ruin the lifelong dream of attending their fathers' frat house together.
A meet-cute with Ed brings on all sorts of possibilities, as well as a shoe-in for winning that bet. But Ed is in the closet, refusing to go anywhere near the campus. Their connection builds over time, a speedy slow-burn (that sounds odd, speedy yet slow, but Sunday is known for slow-burn, & there was lusty scenes earlier than her usual style)
I truly enjoyed Jack and Ed together, their dance so to speak. Their banter was witty yet filled with tension. The emotions were realistic and brought all the feels. Where I struggled, I never truly got to know Ed, not really. Not deep enough to root for them. Normally I don't have a POV preference, but I do believe a little time spent in Ed's head would have helped connect with the characters, their romance, their journey, and the story.
Highly recommend to fans of the authors, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
4 Stars.
Better Be Sure is the first installment in the Harrison Campus series, coauthored by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. Andy Gallo is a new-to-me author, whereas I have read most of Sunday's backlist.
I have to admit, I struggled with the writing style at the start. As the story progressed, either the writing became smoother, less choppy bits jarring me from the story, or I got used to it.
Jackson is an orphan, taken in by a friend of the family, whose son was also his best friend, now brother in two ways- family and brothers in a frat as well- a frat their best friend fathers attended during their glory days.
There's a nasty snake in the frat, always making bets, but Jackson is too competitive to back down from a good challenge. He makes a bet that he might not be able to win, which could cause him to lose his spot in the house, which would ruin the lifelong dream of attending their fathers' frat house together.
A meet-cute with Ed brings on all sorts of possibilities, as well as a shoe-in for winning that bet. But Ed is in the closet, refusing to go anywhere near the campus. Their connection builds over time, a speedy slow-burn (that sounds odd, speedy yet slow, but Sunday is known for slow-burn, & there was lusty scenes earlier than her usual style)
I truly enjoyed Jack and Ed together, their dance so to speak. Their banter was witty yet filled with tension. The emotions were realistic and brought all the feels. Where I struggled, I never truly got to know Ed, not really. Not deep enough to root for them. Normally I don't have a POV preference, but I do believe a little time spent in Ed's head would have helped connect with the characters, their romance, their journey, and the story.
Highly recommend to fans of the authors, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
July 22, 2020
I really loved this group of caharacters and the family dynamics. This book touched my heart and made me really emotional. I didn't expect to cry. It was wonderful. I listened to the audio and the narrator was amazing!
May 31, 2020
This was a 3.75 star sweet college romance between Jack and Ed.
Jack attends Harrison College, rooming with his adoptive brother in the same room that their fathers lived in when they attended the same college. When resident jerk, Harper makes a bet with Jack that he can't get a date to the upcoming formal dance, the stakes are loser leaves the house.
Around this same time, Jack literally bumps into Ed and the chance encounter has them accidentally swapping cell phones. When they go to trade phones back later, the two really hit it off. Instead of the planets aligning and offering up not only a date for the formal, but the promise of a real deal relationship, Jack learns that Ed isn't out. While he completely respects Ed's boundaries, he feels he will be letting his deceased father down if he loses the bet and has to leave the house.
This book was so sweet, with Ed and Jack having a really solid connection. I despise books where one person is more or less forced to come out before they are ready. Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday did a great job without stepping over that line for the sake of a plot point.
Thank you very much to both authors and A Novel Take PR for my complimentary digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
Jack attends Harrison College, rooming with his adoptive brother in the same room that their fathers lived in when they attended the same college. When resident jerk, Harper makes a bet with Jack that he can't get a date to the upcoming formal dance, the stakes are loser leaves the house.
Around this same time, Jack literally bumps into Ed and the chance encounter has them accidentally swapping cell phones. When they go to trade phones back later, the two really hit it off. Instead of the planets aligning and offering up not only a date for the formal, but the promise of a real deal relationship, Jack learns that Ed isn't out. While he completely respects Ed's boundaries, he feels he will be letting his deceased father down if he loses the bet and has to leave the house.
This book was so sweet, with Ed and Jack having a really solid connection. I despise books where one person is more or less forced to come out before they are ready. Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday did a great job without stepping over that line for the sake of a plot point.
Thank you very much to both authors and A Novel Take PR for my complimentary digital arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 4, 2020
Better Be Sure is a fun new adult romance, with all the tropey goodness of secret relationships and bets that seem like a good idea to start with... and then cause all kinds of problems. Jack and Ed hit it off with some instant chemistry, but Ed is so deeply in the closet which only brings about even more problems. They definitely have a tricky situation once they start something and as their feelings grow, it only gets bigger. Both Ed and Jack have their hearts being pulled into two directions, and it does create some miscommunication and frustration before they finally reach the same page. It is a fun and very sweet journey though, with some great supporting characters and excellent writing and dialogue that fit the story perfectly. Looking forward to more in the series!
June 6, 2020
So I was supposed to post this review on Instagram as part of the re-release team, but I've decided to post it here instead.
I quite enjoyed Better Be Sure by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. It was sweet and engaging with enough angst to keep me reading, but not so much that it detracted from the romance. Which was why I chose to read it in the first place.
I loved Jack as a character. He was very realistic and human in a way that not a lot of male protagonists are. His anxiety and PTSD were huge focal points for his character, but they weren't his entire personality. He was kind and loyal; patient and gentle, and I loved him for it. Marcus was similar, but somehow still totally different. Despite being closeted and afraid of showing who he really is to the world Marcus still manages to be one of the bravest characters I've met in a contemporary novel. Reading scenes where his compassion and honesty shine was honestly like being wrapped in a warm blanket.
The plot was a little silly if I'm being completely honest. There was no reason why Jack put so much stock into the bet that he was willing to risk uprooting his life for the sake of proving one idiot frat boy wrong. Surely if he was that well liked in the house Jack would have just laughed the bet off and continued living his life without giving it a second thought.
The ending was soft and sweet and I would 100% come back to this book again to enjoy the moment when Marcus said "yes he does." You'll know what I mean when you get to it. Anyway, 4/5 stars. Would continue the series.
I quite enjoyed Better Be Sure by Andy Gallo and Anyta Sunday. It was sweet and engaging with enough angst to keep me reading, but not so much that it detracted from the romance. Which was why I chose to read it in the first place.
I loved Jack as a character. He was very realistic and human in a way that not a lot of male protagonists are. His anxiety and PTSD were huge focal points for his character, but they weren't his entire personality. He was kind and loyal; patient and gentle, and I loved him for it. Marcus was similar, but somehow still totally different. Despite being closeted and afraid of showing who he really is to the world Marcus still manages to be one of the bravest characters I've met in a contemporary novel. Reading scenes where his compassion and honesty shine was honestly like being wrapped in a warm blanket.
The plot was a little silly if I'm being completely honest. There was no reason why Jack put so much stock into the bet that he was willing to risk uprooting his life for the sake of proving one idiot frat boy wrong. Surely if he was that well liked in the house Jack would have just laughed the bet off and continued living his life without giving it a second thought.
The ending was soft and sweet and I would 100% come back to this book again to enjoy the moment when Marcus said "yes he does." You'll know what I mean when you get to it. Anyway, 4/5 stars. Would continue the series.
May 30, 2020
I know Anyta's writing an a fan of her, but Gallo's not so much.
The problem of collaboration is sometimes you cannot find the genuine style of the author(s).
I think, it's what happens here with this book. A little bit of Anyta, and a little bit of Gallo.
This is a sweet college story where being stay in the frat house is more important than your love life.
I don't understand. At all.
I do understand why Ed was having the issue about his sexuality, that was a big deal. Especially when you're no one and you have family to support.
Jack's issue on the other hand, was kinda selfish. Imo.
But Ed wanted Jack and Jack loved Ed.
Problem solved, the ridiculous bet ended, and everyone's happy.
Maybe I'll read the next book, it's about Darren, one of the frat boys.
Maybe.
The problem of collaboration is sometimes you cannot find the genuine style of the author(s).
I think, it's what happens here with this book. A little bit of Anyta, and a little bit of Gallo.
This is a sweet college story where being stay in the frat house is more important than your love life.
I don't understand. At all.
I do understand why Ed was having the issue about his sexuality, that was a big deal. Especially when you're no one and you have family to support.
Jack's issue on the other hand, was kinda selfish. Imo.
But Ed wanted Jack and Jack loved Ed.
Problem solved, the ridiculous bet ended, and everyone's happy.
Maybe I'll read the next book, it's about Darren, one of the frat boys.
Maybe.
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