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Relationship Material
It's not always possible to meet in the middle.
Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that?
As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection?
Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.
Word 62,000; page 215
Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that?
As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection?
Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.
Word 62,000; page 215
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2019
29 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Jenya Keefe
3 books58 followersJenya Keefe was born in the South. She has an advanced degree in European history, and has spent much of her life working the kinds of jobs a history degree qualifies you for: gift shop employee, lumber grader, classifieds clerk, hot glass artist. She currently lives in the Seattle area, where she works at a library. She has always written stories.
Website: www.jenyakeefe.com
TikTok: @JenyaKeefe
Website: www.jenyakeefe.com
TikTok: @JenyaKeefe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 28, 2021
currently $.99 on Amazon - highly recommend!
https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-M...
Jenya Keefe’s Relationship Material is one of the finest books I’ve read this year. Poignant and heartfelt, Ms. Keefe gets right to the core of these characters and strips them bare. These are two intense men, and even though I didn’t have anything in common with either of them I had no trouble relating to both of them. It is a testament to the skill of Jenya Keefe’s beautiful writing that I got so wrapped up in this marvelous story.
Attracted to each other right off the bat, it’s fun to watch Mal and Evan flirt and chase and eventually give in. While they connect well physically, Evan has no intention of opening himself up, and Mal has no intention of letting Evan get away with that. It’s fascinating to watch these two characters interact, and to see the impact their relationship has on both of them throughout the course of the story.
As their romance unfolds and more information comes to light, Relationship Material just sucked me in. Ms. Keefe weaves a stunning tale, and combined with her unique and engaging writing style this new author is definitely one to watch!
a copy of Relationship Material was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my review
https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-M...
Jenya Keefe’s Relationship Material is one of the finest books I’ve read this year. Poignant and heartfelt, Ms. Keefe gets right to the core of these characters and strips them bare. These are two intense men, and even though I didn’t have anything in common with either of them I had no trouble relating to both of them. It is a testament to the skill of Jenya Keefe’s beautiful writing that I got so wrapped up in this marvelous story.
Attracted to each other right off the bat, it’s fun to watch Mal and Evan flirt and chase and eventually give in. While they connect well physically, Evan has no intention of opening himself up, and Mal has no intention of letting Evan get away with that. It’s fascinating to watch these two characters interact, and to see the impact their relationship has on both of them throughout the course of the story.
As their romance unfolds and more information comes to light, Relationship Material just sucked me in. Ms. Keefe weaves a stunning tale, and combined with her unique and engaging writing style this new author is definitely one to watch!
a copy of Relationship Material was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my review
November 3, 2024
This was a bit different than Keefe's fantasy books. I thought the mental health rep, and specifically the portrayal of severe anxiety and panic attacks, was extremely well done.
There's a lot of trauma surrounding the two MCs and the sister.
It's really a book about trauma, grief, struggling with the past, and carving out a life while carrying the devastating emotional baggage that isn't just going to disappear.
There was a heavy emphasis on what sex looks like to an adult who was raped as a teenager. No simple cures or fixes here. I appreciated that the explicit sex scenes were carefully and respectfully done and the other MC 100% stayed within the parameters given to him (don't touch, BJ's only, condoms a must, etc.)
This was a story that resonated with me, and the trauma didn't feel sensationalized or glossed over. It's a tough read and maybe a bit atypical for the romance genre since not everything is resolved.
Check the CWs, of course, before diving in. Bonus for the amazing service dog, Dulcie.
Tags: CR, traumatic pasts, FWB-to-lovers, registered nurse/attorney pairing, anxiety and stress related to sexual acts (being touched , restrained, feeling loss of control), hurt/comfort, crippling anxiety, paranoia, new identity, previous WITSEC (California's version), panic attacks, low self-esteem, angsty, service dog for anxiety, CWs for past sexual assault as a minor, kidnapping, murder, death, captivity, disordered eating (past for MC - anorexia) and current struggles with it for a prominent side character, past reference to suicide of a partner (including finding him), mother's lifelong struggles with heroin addiction, death of mother, past violence, self-harm references, depression, obsessive calorie counting as children, past parental neglect
There's a lot of trauma surrounding the two MCs and the sister.
It's really a book about trauma, grief, struggling with the past, and carving out a life while carrying the devastating emotional baggage that isn't just going to disappear.
There was a heavy emphasis on what sex looks like to an adult who was raped as a teenager. No simple cures or fixes here. I appreciated that the explicit sex scenes were carefully and respectfully done and the other MC 100% stayed within the parameters given to him (don't touch, BJ's only, condoms a must, etc.)
This was a story that resonated with me, and the trauma didn't feel sensationalized or glossed over. It's a tough read and maybe a bit atypical for the romance genre since not everything is resolved.
Check the CWs, of course, before diving in. Bonus for the amazing service dog, Dulcie.
Tags: CR, traumatic pasts, FWB-to-lovers, registered nurse/attorney pairing, anxiety and stress related to sexual acts (being touched , restrained, feeling loss of control), hurt/comfort, crippling anxiety, paranoia, new identity, previous WITSEC (California's version), panic attacks, low self-esteem, angsty, service dog for anxiety, CWs for past sexual assault as a minor, kidnapping, murder, death, captivity, disordered eating (past for MC - anorexia) and current struggles with it for a prominent side character, past reference to suicide of a partner (including finding him), mother's lifelong struggles with heroin addiction, death of mother, past violence, self-harm references, depression, obsessive calorie counting as children, past parental neglect
August 5, 2019
This book is a lot darker than the blurb makes it sound (see my content warning) but I thought it was still very much worth the read. Evan is deeply traumatized by a truly horrific crime (and living under witness protection) and does not feel up to relationships, especially not with somebody who he considers so very much relationship material. Mal on the other hand falls hard for Evan and is willing to take whatever he is willing to offer him. I thought they were lovely together. I love how open and honest they are with each other about boundaries and how accepting of each others' trauma.
Content warning: Rape (in the past), assault (in the past), drug abuse (in the past), PTSD, forced prostitution of a minor (in the past), panic attacks, suicide (in the past), self-harm (in the past)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Content warning: Rape (in the past), assault (in the past), drug abuse (in the past), PTSD, forced prostitution of a minor (in the past), panic attacks, suicide (in the past), self-harm (in the past)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
i-m-a-quitter
January 16, 2020DNF @ 62%
I enjoyed The Musician and the Monster by this author so wanted to give this one a try.
Unfortunately, it just didn't grab my attention. I just never really connected to the MCs and not much happened to keep me interested.
Still, with as much as I enjoyed The Musician and the Monster I will keep this author on my radar.
I enjoyed The Musician and the Monster by this author so wanted to give this one a try.
Unfortunately, it just didn't grab my attention. I just never really connected to the MCs and not much happened to keep me interested.
Still, with as much as I enjoyed The Musician and the Monster I will keep this author on my radar.
October 16, 2019
*2,5 stars*
The blurb was tempting, the potential of the scenario great, but there was too much here that didn’t gel for me (and I realize I may be the odd one out in this)
.) The main thing: I couldn’t connect with the MCs.
Mal is supposed this ‘arrogant on the outside and marshmallow on the inside’ type of guy, but for me something was off about his characterization. It’s the way he sometimes reacts, what he says and does, that lead to quite a few raised eyebrows and WTHs!
Evan has got a heapful of problems caused by his awful past, in particular anxiety and panic attacks. His condition leaves him deeply insecure and unable to bond emotionally. This is just my kind of stuff, but in the end, I found Evan and his ‘yes and no attitude’ more irritating than sympathetic.
.) The relationship between Mal and Evan:
I could see what the author is trying to do (Evan getting closer to Mal, falling in love and sorting his intimacy problems), but no, *shaking her head*. The chemistry between them is just not there. I didn’t like how their problem is explored, it never felt realistic or genuine.
I also couldn’t see them falling in love, and I certainly didn’t feel it. And the end left me totally flabbergasted and confused.
Finally, what bothered me most – this is all about Mal trying to please/sort/fix Evan. But what about Mal? He has got needs and hang-ups, too, but they are never considered.
.) the writing
I think my thought processes are totally different from the author, hence I couldn’t get into the portrayal of the characters and their actions. This also felt like a two/three persons (Mal, Evan Caro) play at the theatre. There is one serious secondary character (Mal’s mum), two, if you count the dog. And that’s it.
I’m not a fan of a plethora of characters in a book, but this is very sparse indeed.
Nope. I’m sorry but this didn’t work for me at all.
The blurb was tempting, the potential of the scenario great, but there was too much here that didn’t gel for me (and I realize I may be the odd one out in this)
.) The main thing: I couldn’t connect with the MCs.
Mal is supposed this ‘arrogant on the outside and marshmallow on the inside’ type of guy, but for me something was off about his characterization. It’s the way he sometimes reacts, what he says and does, that lead to quite a few raised eyebrows and WTHs!
Evan has got a heapful of problems caused by his awful past, in particular anxiety and panic attacks. His condition leaves him deeply insecure and unable to bond emotionally. This is just my kind of stuff, but in the end, I found Evan and his ‘yes and no attitude’ more irritating than sympathetic.
.) The relationship between Mal and Evan:
I could see what the author is trying to do (Evan getting closer to Mal, falling in love and sorting his intimacy problems), but no, *shaking her head*. The chemistry between them is just not there. I didn’t like how their problem is explored, it never felt realistic or genuine.
I also couldn’t see them falling in love, and I certainly didn’t feel it. And the end left me totally flabbergasted and confused.
Finally, what bothered me most – this is all about Mal trying to please/sort/fix Evan. But what about Mal? He has got needs and hang-ups, too, but they are never considered.
.) the writing
I think my thought processes are totally different from the author, hence I couldn’t get into the portrayal of the characters and their actions. This also felt like a two/three persons (Mal, Evan Caro) play at the theatre. There is one serious secondary character (Mal’s mum), two, if you count the dog. And that’s it.
I’m not a fan of a plethora of characters in a book, but this is very sparse indeed.
Nope. I’m sorry but this didn’t work for me at all.
March 8, 2020
I’m not sure I read the same book others read because I couldn’t enjoy this. Didn’t enjoy it.
I got tired of the constant anxiety one of the MC struggles with on a daily basis. I don’t want to seem callous to someone dealing with past trauma stemming from violence and sexual abuse, but his anxiety ruled this story and it really never let up. I couldn’t enjoy the story.
Add some weirdly timed declarations of love, and you have a book that just didn’t work for me on many levels.
That being said, many others seem to have really enjoyed it so take my review with a grain of salt.
My rec? If anxiety, talk of past abuse, and repetitiveness is your thing, sure, why not. If you want to enjoy a read, I say skip it.
I got tired of the constant anxiety one of the MC struggles with on a daily basis. I don’t want to seem callous to someone dealing with past trauma stemming from violence and sexual abuse, but his anxiety ruled this story and it really never let up. I couldn’t enjoy the story.
Add some weirdly timed declarations of love, and you have a book that just didn’t work for me on many levels.
That being said, many others seem to have really enjoyed it so take my review with a grain of salt.
My rec? If anxiety, talk of past abuse, and repetitiveness is your thing, sure, why not. If you want to enjoy a read, I say skip it.
December 31, 2019
Wow, I don't typically enjoy when a book is packed with this much hurt/comfort, but I enjoyed this one. After two in a row, Jenya Keefe is on my radar.
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed it even more this time. I only wish there was an epilogue.
................................
Not my favorite trope but, surprisingly, I really liked it. I found the character study exceptional. And I loved Mal. I'll keep this author on my radar.
................................
Not my favorite trope but, surprisingly, I really liked it. I found the character study exceptional. And I loved Mal. I'll keep this author on my radar.
January 28, 2022
Jenya Keefe is an author that writes complicated plots with deep character and I wish she wrote more frequently. 😍😍😍
I really enjoyed this, I was surprised at how good she made the trope of: "I'm not ready to be in a relationship, too damaged", because normally authors just use it to get the story some angst, in here it felt sooo true.
Ao much so, I wasn't sure if I wanted the two main characters together, don't get me wrong they had great chemistry and were hot together, but Evan was damaged and in denial, so when Keefe made his character evolve I was glad as fuck.
This story felt real, this characters felt real and I was invested in every way. It's not a cute story, it's about trauma, PTSD, anxiety, fear, despair, hope, family, bonds and love.
So It packs a punch, get ready for it. 😅😅
Totally unrelated but the other main characters was called Malcolm... The pain. 🤧🤧🤧
Anyways, I'll finish with a quote that got me in the feels:
"He hated living in fear. Fear of fear, panic induced by panic. Fear that changed his behavior and his life, made him veer to avoid anything that might set off his panic". Evan
*gets dramatic* preach it 🤧🤧
I really enjoyed this, I was surprised at how good she made the trope of: "I'm not ready to be in a relationship, too damaged", because normally authors just use it to get the story some angst, in here it felt sooo true.
Ao much so, I wasn't sure if I wanted the two main characters together, don't get me wrong they had great chemistry and were hot together, but Evan was damaged and in denial, so when Keefe made his character evolve I was glad as fuck.
This story felt real, this characters felt real and I was invested in every way. It's not a cute story, it's about trauma, PTSD, anxiety, fear, despair, hope, family, bonds and love.
So It packs a punch, get ready for it. 😅😅
Totally unrelated but the other main characters was called Malcolm... The pain. 🤧🤧🤧
Anyways, I'll finish with a quote that got me in the feels:
"He hated living in fear. Fear of fear, panic induced by panic. Fear that changed his behavior and his life, made him veer to avoid anything that might set off his panic". Evan
*gets dramatic* preach it 🤧🤧
November 1, 2022
Jenya Keefe just plain writes well. Her characters feel like real people, dealing with serious trauma. I believed in the attraction between Mal and Evan, in the sibling bond between Evan and Caroline, and in the friendship between Caroline and Mal.
If I have a complaint it's only that I think the story was just a hair rushed; but maybe that's only because I wanted more Jenna Keefe and I've already read her other book, The Musician and the Monster.
If I have a complaint it's only that I think the story was just a hair rushed; but maybe that's only because I wanted more Jenna Keefe and I've already read her other book, The Musician and the Monster.
August 5, 2019
Gosh, *a very content sigh* What a beautiful story this was.
I couldn’t anticipate the fact that behind that title and cover a shining gem was hidden. Even the blurb didn’t do right to the beauty of this story, (sorry, I know blurbs are nightmares)
For me, it was one emotional rollercoaster. An unbelievable good written story about slowly getting attached, emotional and physical, to life again, to let people in, to trust.
Evan can’t believe his eyes when his sister Caroline stands before him. It was sixteen years ago since he disappeared, unwillingly.
Very carefully he let her into his life. When he meets Car her best Mal, he recognizes the type of man. ‘Relationship Material’ so not what Evan can handle, ever!
So far it seems a nice regular story. But don’t be fooled, it is from a whole different level.
Evan has a past so hard when you get to know this, you will be flabbergasted. His present condition isn’t healthy at all and you'll understand!
Mal his past isn’t nice either. He also has bad experiences with boyfriends. And that’s an understatement.
Evan is not very approachable and Mal has to pull out all the stops.
And oh boy there are some bittersweet encounters.
What a story. With Mal as a counterbalance for all the overwhelming events in this story, the whole picture grew more and more into the gem it was.
The description of little gestures, the attention to the little but oh so important body language made it all very intense.
The hurt, the constantly distancing from good things was almost unbearable.
Both Evan and Mal are engaging personalities. Very lovable, vulnerable and all well developed.
Dulcie is Evan’s therapy dog and omg what a lovely well deserved part did she got in this story.
The whole story was a solid, consistently written, very appealing journey.
I was tethered to my sofa and couldn’t put this story down. It was all so very impressive. All those feelings! So I read and read until I finished it.
I couldn’t anticipate the fact that behind that title and cover a shining gem was hidden. Even the blurb didn’t do right to the beauty of this story, (sorry, I know blurbs are nightmares)
For me, it was one emotional rollercoaster. An unbelievable good written story about slowly getting attached, emotional and physical, to life again, to let people in, to trust.
Evan can’t believe his eyes when his sister Caroline stands before him. It was sixteen years ago since he disappeared, unwillingly.
Very carefully he let her into his life. When he meets Car her best Mal, he recognizes the type of man. ‘Relationship Material’ so not what Evan can handle, ever!
So far it seems a nice regular story. But don’t be fooled, it is from a whole different level.
Evan has a past so hard when you get to know this, you will be flabbergasted. His present condition isn’t healthy at all and you'll understand!
Mal his past isn’t nice either. He also has bad experiences with boyfriends. And that’s an understatement.
Evan is not very approachable and Mal has to pull out all the stops.
And oh boy there are some bittersweet encounters.
What a story. With Mal as a counterbalance for all the overwhelming events in this story, the whole picture grew more and more into the gem it was.
The description of little gestures, the attention to the little but oh so important body language made it all very intense.
The hurt, the constantly distancing from good things was almost unbearable.
Both Evan and Mal are engaging personalities. Very lovable, vulnerable and all well developed.
Dulcie is Evan’s therapy dog and omg what a lovely well deserved part did she got in this story.
The whole story was a solid, consistently written, very appealing journey.
I was tethered to my sofa and couldn’t put this story down. It was all so very impressive. All those feelings! So I read and read until I finished it.
August 3, 2019
OK, first off - this blurb needs to be re-written. With warnings. Because this book dealt with some very serious topics and issues, and there was just no heads up that there would be discussion of
I was definitely expecting something just a bit more light-hearted than what I read. I'll be completely honest, I don't know if I would have selected this book to read it those warnings had been explained, since that's just not usually my cup of tea. Nothing was super graphic, but the characters did talk about these subjects on multiple occasions. I respect what the author was trying to write here - two men, both with different but difficult and tragic pasts, coming together for their eventual HEA. However, I feel like the subject matter was just TOO serious and heavy, and maybe too much to tackle in the way that it was.
I felt a disconnect between both characters - Mal was at times a charming sweetheart and then a caustic asshole and I think that side of him was meant to be endearing and cute, but it came off as him just being an asshole. And Evan - poor Evan, he really needs some self care, therapy, and to really find peace within himself because by the end of the story, I was still worried that he'd run again. There were things that just turned a 180 so quickly with his emotions and wants. I really wish we could have gotten something set like a year later where both of them were in a much healthier place mentally, emotionally, and relationship-wise.
Also - weird little things for me. University of Virginia is UVA, not UV. I've lived in central Virginia my entire life, I've never heard it called UV. Evan's sister was referred to by 3 different names throughout this book - Kiki, Caroline, and Caro - which, it's just weird to me!
Clearly, others have had a much different reaction to reading this story than I have, based on the reviews I see already, but this one did not work for me.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was definitely expecting something just a bit more light-hearted than what I read. I'll be completely honest, I don't know if I would have selected this book to read it those warnings had been explained, since that's just not usually my cup of tea. Nothing was super graphic, but the characters did talk about these subjects on multiple occasions. I respect what the author was trying to write here - two men, both with different but difficult and tragic pasts, coming together for their eventual HEA. However, I feel like the subject matter was just TOO serious and heavy, and maybe too much to tackle in the way that it was.
I felt a disconnect between both characters - Mal was at times a charming sweetheart and then a caustic asshole and I think that side of him was meant to be endearing and cute, but it came off as him just being an asshole. And Evan - poor Evan, he really needs some self care, therapy, and to really find peace within himself because by the end of the story, I was still worried that he'd run again. There were things that just turned a 180 so quickly with his emotions and wants. I really wish we could have gotten something set like a year later where both of them were in a much healthier place mentally, emotionally, and relationship-wise.
Also - weird little things for me. University of Virginia is UVA, not UV. I've lived in central Virginia my entire life, I've never heard it called UV. Evan's sister was referred to by 3 different names throughout this book - Kiki, Caroline, and Caro - which, it's just weird to me!
Clearly, others have had a much different reaction to reading this story than I have, based on the reviews I see already, but this one did not work for me.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2024
Debut novel of a very promising writer who really upped her game in her next 2 books. Lots to like, but not quite there.
October 16, 2019
I liked how this started but eventually I found that Evan's "I'm broken, I'm damaged, I dont deserve you" nonsense got rather repetitive. I kept waiting for something to actually happen, for some climatic moment, but it just never happened. Instead, I got the broken record that was Evan's hot and cold.
I did also find that the relationship, both sexual and emotional, happened a bit too fast considering Evan is apparently so "damaged". A much would have preferred a slow burn, with the sex maybe coming a little later on in the book. With the speed in which Mal and Evan got together, it did feel a little like "love cures all things".
Also, if there's one way to make me skim over a sex scene, it's by having one character using anatomical terminology. All the talk of latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus, etc. reminds me too much of nerve-wracking practical exams and work. And if that wasn't bad enough, this sentence killed it :
Evan frenched sloppy kisses down the shaft, giving it lots of drool, suckling the corpus spongiosum, reveling in Mal’s gasp.
And if I'm being totally honest, I didn't really like Mal. I didn't get why he would want to have a relationship with his mother. And some of his asshole moments were pretty asshole-ish for trying to win Evan over.
I did also find that the relationship, both sexual and emotional, happened a bit too fast considering Evan is apparently so "damaged". A much would have preferred a slow burn, with the sex maybe coming a little later on in the book. With the speed in which Mal and Evan got together, it did feel a little like "love cures all things".
Also, if there's one way to make me skim over a sex scene, it's by having one character using anatomical terminology. All the talk of latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus, etc. reminds me too much of nerve-wracking practical exams and work. And if that wasn't bad enough, this sentence killed it :
Evan frenched sloppy kisses down the shaft, giving it lots of drool, suckling the corpus spongiosum, reveling in Mal’s gasp.
And if I'm being totally honest, I didn't really like Mal. I didn't get why he would want to have a relationship with his mother. And some of his asshole moments were pretty asshole-ish for trying to win Evan over.
March 7, 2020
Insta love and you have to suspend reality quite a few times. I didn't hate it though.
Uugg...another one I didn't review right away because I was going to be a first review and it wasn't going to be great. I remember little about this book which is never good. Those first two sentences are all I wrote and really all I remember. I felt like the plot was kind of absurd. I may try this author again down the road though.
*ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Uugg...another one I didn't review right away because I was going to be a first review and it wasn't going to be great. I remember little about this book which is never good. Those first two sentences are all I wrote and really all I remember. I felt like the plot was kind of absurd. I may try this author again down the road though.
*ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 12, 2020
No conocía de nada a la autora, y aunque me ha parecido que pasa muy por encima por temas muy complejos y que la subtrama medio policiaca me ha parecido too much, es una historia bonita con personajes muy queribles.
October 1, 2024
Writing a story about trauma and the crafting of a healthy relationship post-trauma is tricky. Reviewing one is tricky too. It’s so outside my life experience, I can never decide if I have the right to pass judgement. Anyway…I think this one mostly does a decent job; a little hit, a little miss.
I enjoyed the part of the book dealing with how Evan has coped as a survivor, the type of life he’s built for himself in order to deal with the trauma. The relationship part was less satisfying. It spends more time than I’d like on negotiating their sex life. Understandable given the nature of Evan’s trauma, but I would’ve liked to see more of them in other situations. There was definitely enough here for me to keep an eye on this author though.
I enjoyed the part of the book dealing with how Evan has coped as a survivor, the type of life he’s built for himself in order to deal with the trauma. The relationship part was less satisfying. It spends more time than I’d like on negotiating their sex life. Understandable given the nature of Evan’s trauma, but I would’ve liked to see more of them in other situations. There was definitely enough here for me to keep an eye on this author though.
August 2, 2019
Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe is currently scheduled for release on August 5 2019. It's not always possible to meet in the middle. Registered nurse Evan Doyle doesn’t consider himself fit for more than occasional hookups. He has a good life, but the emotional aftermath of a horrific crime makes him feel too damaged to date. So when his sister’s hot bestie, Malcolm Umbertini, comes on to him, he turns him down flat. Mal is Relationship Material: the kind who thinks in the long term. What would Evan do with a man like that? As a prosecuting attorney, Mal’s learned how to read people, and he knows there’s more to Evan than meets the eye. Mal has faced his own hardships since his family kicked him out as a teen, and he respects Evan’s courage and emotional resilience. More than that, he wants Evan—in his bed and in his life. But can he weather another rejection? Both wary, they agree to a no-strings fling. Mal knows that Evan wants things to stay casual, but he’s falling in love a little more with each encounter. With health, happiness, and bruised hearts on the line, Mal and Evan must risk everything for love.
Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.
Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!
Relationship Material is a great romance about people with serious emotional scars finding a better future. Even has been through hell and is fighting anxiety at every turn. Malcom does not do casual relationships, he tends to care too much too quickly but hide it all behind bluster. Seeing Even reunite with his sister and find his own way toward being in a relationship was beautiful. I loved the honest way trauma, anxiety, and mental illness is discussed and worked with in the story. It is honest and sometimes hard to read, but so well done. I thought that Mal and Evan had very realistic reactions to each other at almost every turn, and I just fell in love with them both. My only complaint is that I want more. I want Caro to find peace, I want to see Evan and Mal's future, I want to see more of Mal's mother and the other residents of the nursing home. Keefe is now on my list of authors to be watching, hoping, for whatever comes next.
Relationship Material left me wanting more, in the very best ways. I was so sad to have the story end, and I hope Keefe writes more about the characters here because I want so much more!
July 9, 2019
This was a lovely book. The two main characters left me with tears in my eyes more than once as they struggled to navigate the treacherous waters of Evan’s trauma and on-going recovery. This is about more than the central (and hot!) romance; it’s about healing, family and the way we navigate life. This book is also about power and control: what do we really have control over? What gives someone power?
Not having experienced any sexual or violent trauma myself, I can’t speak to how accurate the subject matter of this book is. It does read as well thought out and well-intentioned. This book might be triggering for anyone who has lived through a similar experience.
One of the things I appreciated most was that Evan is a registered nurse. I know from personal experience that people will often ask those living with panic/anxiety hor they are able to “do a job” that some perceive as stressful. I loved the way that Evan was able to explain that he enjoyed his work. The descriptions of panic and anxiety seemed true to my experience of them, and I appreciated that the author consistently gave Evan a voice that was confident even when he was uncertain.
As walled off and uncertain Evan is, Mal is also a flawed character and I liked that the author put them on level ground with one another. If there’s a lesson to be learned from the slowly evolving romance in this book, it’s that we are all imperfect and none of us can know what those around us have lived through.
The relationship between Mal and Evan was sweet, caring and complex. Despite the brevity of this novel, I found that I was definitely invested in these characters and how or if things would work out. My only regret is that the book wasn’t longer. I would have loved to have watched this author tackle some of the on-going issues that would come up when dealing with a past tainted by such violence, loss, and trauma.
As full of sadness and trauma as this story is, I loved it. There’s hope laced throughout Evan’s story, even from the fragile beginnings.
Not having experienced any sexual or violent trauma myself, I can’t speak to how accurate the subject matter of this book is. It does read as well thought out and well-intentioned. This book might be triggering for anyone who has lived through a similar experience.
One of the things I appreciated most was that Evan is a registered nurse. I know from personal experience that people will often ask those living with panic/anxiety hor they are able to “do a job” that some perceive as stressful. I loved the way that Evan was able to explain that he enjoyed his work. The descriptions of panic and anxiety seemed true to my experience of them, and I appreciated that the author consistently gave Evan a voice that was confident even when he was uncertain.
As walled off and uncertain Evan is, Mal is also a flawed character and I liked that the author put them on level ground with one another. If there’s a lesson to be learned from the slowly evolving romance in this book, it’s that we are all imperfect and none of us can know what those around us have lived through.
The relationship between Mal and Evan was sweet, caring and complex. Despite the brevity of this novel, I found that I was definitely invested in these characters and how or if things would work out. My only regret is that the book wasn’t longer. I would have loved to have watched this author tackle some of the on-going issues that would come up when dealing with a past tainted by such violence, loss, and trauma.
As full of sadness and trauma as this story is, I loved it. There’s hope laced throughout Evan’s story, even from the fragile beginnings.
October 31, 2019
4 stars
Evan is living a quiet life that he enjoys when his past, in the form of his sister, catches up with him. His sister comes with a best friend, Mal. Evan finds Mal attractive, but knows that with his past, he will never be good enough for Mal.
Mal has his own hurts in his past, but there is something about Evan that draws him in. Even though Mal is more of a relationship kind of guy, he and Evan agree to explore the attraction between them as a casual thing, kind of like a series of one night stands with the same person. Before they know it, though, they are both heading for the more serious side of things, and Evan especially doesn't know how to handle it.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mostly liked the writing, although I had issues with
Mostly, this was pure romance, with two people learning about each other and how they fit into each others' lives. I did like the fact that neither Evan nor Mal were magically fixed by love, and that there wasn't really hope for that. They had to learn how to deal with the other person's issues within the relationship, and I felt as though they were doing that.
I really, really liked how the nurse aspect was portrayed. It was very real, and felt correct. I liked that Evan said that not all nurses are suited to surgical or emergency situations, and that he really liked being in a care home.
I just...it felt as though we were skimming the top of who the characters were, and they were interesting characters, so it would have been nice to see more of them together.
Evan is living a quiet life that he enjoys when his past, in the form of his sister, catches up with him. His sister comes with a best friend, Mal. Evan finds Mal attractive, but knows that with his past, he will never be good enough for Mal.
Mal has his own hurts in his past, but there is something about Evan that draws him in. Even though Mal is more of a relationship kind of guy, he and Evan agree to explore the attraction between them as a casual thing, kind of like a series of one night stands with the same person. Before they know it, though, they are both heading for the more serious side of things, and Evan especially doesn't know how to handle it.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mostly liked the writing, although I had issues with
Mostly, this was pure romance, with two people learning about each other and how they fit into each others' lives. I did like the fact that neither Evan nor Mal were magically fixed by love, and that there wasn't really hope for that. They had to learn how to deal with the other person's issues within the relationship, and I felt as though they were doing that.
I really, really liked how the nurse aspect was portrayed. It was very real, and felt correct. I liked that Evan said that not all nurses are suited to surgical or emergency situations, and that he really liked being in a care home.
I just...it felt as though we were skimming the top of who the characters were, and they were interesting characters, so it would have been nice to see more of them together.
August 20, 2019
This is the first book by Jenya Keefe that I've read - actually, I think it may be her debut novel. Regardless, it will not be the last book I read by this author, as a matter of fact, I just requested an ARC of her next book. So yes, Relationship Material was that good.
Relationship Material wasn't a "light and fluffy" romance by any stretch of the imagination. Although the events that were the darkest were memories, they were still pretty heavy and dark. My heart broke for Evan in so many ways. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll be as vague as I can. Because of events that happened in his past, Evan disappeared from his former life and entered witness protection. He had stayed totally off the radar until the day his twin sister ran into him. She obviously wanted answers about his disappearance and even though he was in a panic about being discovered he wanted to give her as much as he could. She was afraid he'd disappear again, so for moral support, she brought her best friend with her - which is how Evan met Malcolm.
Needless to say, there were some HUGE trust issues in Relationship Material. There were a lot of reasons why Evan didn't want to form attachments, especially not the romantic kind. Even though his sister wanted to help, he was afraid to let her or Malcolm (both lawyers) dig too deep into his past. He was scared for a lot of reasons. He didn't want to be discovered, but he also didn't want his sister or Malcolm to feel any less about him because of his past. A past it seemed like he had spent a lifetime running and hiding from.
There were a lot of unexpected layers and heartbreak in Relationship Material, but there was also a lot of hope. Which was something all three of these characters needed. There were also a couple of side characters that kept things interesting. It was, at times, not an easy book to read, but it was definitely worth it in the end.
I received Relationship Material in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Relationship Material wasn't a "light and fluffy" romance by any stretch of the imagination. Although the events that were the darkest were memories, they were still pretty heavy and dark. My heart broke for Evan in so many ways. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll be as vague as I can. Because of events that happened in his past, Evan disappeared from his former life and entered witness protection. He had stayed totally off the radar until the day his twin sister ran into him. She obviously wanted answers about his disappearance and even though he was in a panic about being discovered he wanted to give her as much as he could. She was afraid he'd disappear again, so for moral support, she brought her best friend with her - which is how Evan met Malcolm.
Needless to say, there were some HUGE trust issues in Relationship Material. There were a lot of reasons why Evan didn't want to form attachments, especially not the romantic kind. Even though his sister wanted to help, he was afraid to let her or Malcolm (both lawyers) dig too deep into his past. He was scared for a lot of reasons. He didn't want to be discovered, but he also didn't want his sister or Malcolm to feel any less about him because of his past. A past it seemed like he had spent a lifetime running and hiding from.
There were a lot of unexpected layers and heartbreak in Relationship Material, but there was also a lot of hope. Which was something all three of these characters needed. There were also a couple of side characters that kept things interesting. It was, at times, not an easy book to read, but it was definitely worth it in the end.
I received Relationship Material in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 7, 2019
This is Jenya Keefe’s first novel, and it’s a great debut.
Best line: “I’m not going to get used to you, like a woodland creature eating an apple out of your hand or whatever.” (Wanna bet?)
This book could probably use trigger warnings, because some of the content may trouble some people. The blurb doesn’t really reflect how dark the pasts of the characters are. References to physical and sexual assault, suicide, eating disorders, and PTSD/severe anxiety are all included in the storyline.
For readers who like angsty hurt/comfort romances, though, this is a very good read. Evan has been emotionally scarred by his past, and while he’s come a long way, he’s still very much a work in progress. When he is reunited with his long-lost sister Caroline, some of his trauma is dragged to the surface, but Evan also gets a chance to reconnect with the good part of his childhood. Plus, Caroline introduces him to her best friend, Mal, and their emotional connection ultimately encourages Evan to challenge the limitations his anxiety places on his life.
I really liked all three of the main characters—Evan, Mal, and Caroline. All of them are fully rounded people who are dealing with their own issues. Even though this is primarily Evan and Mal’s story, Caroline plays a pivotal role, and the author takes the time to show Caroline’s own pain and how she and Evan have to come to terms with each other. Evan is understandably a mess at times, and that makes his relationship with Mal messy, even though he’s wants to trust Mal enough to let go of some of his anxieties. Mal has a tough exterior but is just a marshmallow inside. He’s got his own painful past, but he focuses all his energy on being what Evan needs. He’s so sweet and caring and supportive, it’s kind of adorable.
The two of them fall for each other pretty quickly, which normally might bother me, but it wasn’t so much of an issue here. I think that’s because even though the emotions are there, Evan’s anxiety and Mal’s respect for his boundaries delay their declarations of love. When they do come, they feel earned.
One other thing I liked about the book was that the ending makes clear that Mal and Evan’s relationship is a work in progress. They may be in it for the long haul, but Evan’s anxiety is going to continue to be an issue. Love in itself isn’t a cure.
Given the strength of this book, I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author. Recommended!
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
Best line: “I’m not going to get used to you, like a woodland creature eating an apple out of your hand or whatever.” (Wanna bet?)
This book could probably use trigger warnings, because some of the content may trouble some people. The blurb doesn’t really reflect how dark the pasts of the characters are. References to physical and sexual assault, suicide, eating disorders, and PTSD/severe anxiety are all included in the storyline.
For readers who like angsty hurt/comfort romances, though, this is a very good read. Evan has been emotionally scarred by his past, and while he’s come a long way, he’s still very much a work in progress. When he is reunited with his long-lost sister Caroline, some of his trauma is dragged to the surface, but Evan also gets a chance to reconnect with the good part of his childhood. Plus, Caroline introduces him to her best friend, Mal, and their emotional connection ultimately encourages Evan to challenge the limitations his anxiety places on his life.
I really liked all three of the main characters—Evan, Mal, and Caroline. All of them are fully rounded people who are dealing with their own issues. Even though this is primarily Evan and Mal’s story, Caroline plays a pivotal role, and the author takes the time to show Caroline’s own pain and how she and Evan have to come to terms with each other. Evan is understandably a mess at times, and that makes his relationship with Mal messy, even though he’s wants to trust Mal enough to let go of some of his anxieties. Mal has a tough exterior but is just a marshmallow inside. He’s got his own painful past, but he focuses all his energy on being what Evan needs. He’s so sweet and caring and supportive, it’s kind of adorable.
The two of them fall for each other pretty quickly, which normally might bother me, but it wasn’t so much of an issue here. I think that’s because even though the emotions are there, Evan’s anxiety and Mal’s respect for his boundaries delay their declarations of love. When they do come, they feel earned.
One other thing I liked about the book was that the ending makes clear that Mal and Evan’s relationship is a work in progress. They may be in it for the long haul, but Evan’s anxiety is going to continue to be an issue. Love in itself isn’t a cure.
Given the strength of this book, I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author. Recommended!
A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.
July 19, 2019
Passion. In every word, every phrase, every move the characters make-- this is not your typical M/M Romance. If you are looking for a book that challenges you to look deep in to the heart, mind and soul of relationships and what is important in life, you've just found that book.
Mal and Evan both have dark pasts, secrets to reveal. They struggle, individually; so how can they possibly come together, with any chance of a future? That is exactly what author Janya Keefe explores in this incredible new novel, Relationship Material.
Even from the description, I fully expected the typical M/M Romance where two hot men overcome the odds, rise above their pasts and find new love. This is so much more than that. As deeply moving and sometimes dark as this story unravels; it is even more passionate and arousing.
Life is a journey, love is an adventure. Here, the relationship is the puzzle, and Evan and Mal have to find how the pieces fit together of this seemingly impossible puzzle. Even in their most desperate moments, the passion shines through the darkness. I loved this book.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mal and Evan both have dark pasts, secrets to reveal. They struggle, individually; so how can they possibly come together, with any chance of a future? That is exactly what author Janya Keefe explores in this incredible new novel, Relationship Material.
Even from the description, I fully expected the typical M/M Romance where two hot men overcome the odds, rise above their pasts and find new love. This is so much more than that. As deeply moving and sometimes dark as this story unravels; it is even more passionate and arousing.
Life is a journey, love is an adventure. Here, the relationship is the puzzle, and Evan and Mal have to find how the pieces fit together of this seemingly impossible puzzle. Even in their most desperate moments, the passion shines through the darkness. I loved this book.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2020
I liked this a lot, I’ve had 3 books in a row that I had to give up on. Nothing could really hold my attention, but this was good. It’s well written, I’ve read lots of books with a similar type story and I have to say this was one of the better ones. I don’t dish the 5 stars out too often but as with the last book I read by this author, I think it’s deserving of them.
April 24, 2020
3.5 stars
Poor Evan has survived some pretty harsh stuff in his life. He's still damaged but his career and his dog keep him grounded.
Meeting back up with his twin sister starts to bring back some hard memories and he struggles to hang on. When Mal infiltrates his life, he tries to keep him at arms length.
Mal, to me, felt a little too needy and obsessed with Evan. His feelings were deep and developed quickly...too quickly.
Poor Evan has survived some pretty harsh stuff in his life. He's still damaged but his career and his dog keep him grounded.
Meeting back up with his twin sister starts to bring back some hard memories and he struggles to hang on. When Mal infiltrates his life, he tries to keep him at arms length.
Mal, to me, felt a little too needy and obsessed with Evan. His feelings were deep and developed quickly...too quickly.
August 28, 2019
Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe was a beautiful and heartfelt story about Registered nurse Evan Doyle and prosecuting attorney Malcolm 'Mal' Umbertini. I loved this story so much and it was so well written. The characters were amazing and so real.
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December 29, 2019It took me a long while to warm up to Mal, especially as a match for Evan.
This book goes to some pretty dark places, and I felt terrible for Evan as Caroline and Mal kept forcing him to relive these awful experiences -- especially at the beginning when Mal is a complete stranger.
I was willing to accept them as a couple by the end, although I think Mal needs to read up on anxiety disorders.
This book goes to some pretty dark places, and I felt terrible for Evan as Caroline and Mal kept forcing him to relive these awful experiences -- especially at the beginning when Mal is a complete stranger.
I was willing to accept them as a couple by the end, although I think Mal needs to read up on anxiety disorders.
September 24, 2019
4.5 stars
June 29, 2019
Relationship Material is a well-written, beautiful story that took me through a range of emotions. It is written from dual perspectives, which allows for Jenya Keefe to take the reader through each mc’s thoughts, fears, insecurities, and joy. Evan and Mal are so likable separately, but even more so together. Evan is a complex character: a trauma survivor, fighter, twin, nurse, and fiercely independent man doing his best to live with the overwhelming anxiety disorder that resulted from the events of his past. Mal is a public defender who recently reunited with his estranged mother. He is confident, successful, and fully in touch with his identity as a gay man, but his tenuous relationship with his mother causes him frustration and doubt. He loves his mother, but how can he come to terms with the fact she stood by silently years ago when his father kicked him out of the house for being gay? Mal and Evan meet when Evan is reunited with his twin sister Caroline, who is Mal’s best friend. Mal is interested in Evan, but Evan can tell Mal is the relationship type and he wants no part of that.
One of the things I really liked about the way Keefe brings these two together is the clear communication they share when they first get together. It’s obvious they like each other, but Evan is very clear about what he needs in a sexual relationship after the trauma he’s suffered, and Mal never crosses his boundaries, always in tune with Evan’s mental well-being. I also enjoyed the way Keefe brings us into each character’s mindset. She does an excellent job taking the reader through each aspect of Evan’s panic attacks. Mal’s pain and longing for Evan is so palpable! She also doesn’t rush to bring these two men together. Evan has serious issues to cope with, and he needs to take things slowly. He needs time to trust Mal’s intentions and to accept Mal’s love. This book worked for me on many levels.
One of the things I really liked about the way Keefe brings these two together is the clear communication they share when they first get together. It’s obvious they like each other, but Evan is very clear about what he needs in a sexual relationship after the trauma he’s suffered, and Mal never crosses his boundaries, always in tune with Evan’s mental well-being. I also enjoyed the way Keefe brings us into each character’s mindset. She does an excellent job taking the reader through each aspect of Evan’s panic attacks. Mal’s pain and longing for Evan is so palpable! She also doesn’t rush to bring these two men together. Evan has serious issues to cope with, and he needs to take things slowly. He needs time to trust Mal’s intentions and to accept Mal’s love. This book worked for me on many levels.
August 13, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
I am still not totally sure what I thought of this book, while I enjoyed it there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way too. Mal and Evan have been hurt by those in their pasts and though those experiences were drastically different at times their coping mechanisms end up hurting others.
This story had a lot of push and pull which I expect with characters that have tragic pasts but at points you have to suspend normal thinking in order to understand or accept how the characters acted. First off Evan hasn’t seen his sister is fifteen years because of what happened when they were teens and I gotta say, I’m not sure I really liked her. I know she had damage from their childhood too but she doesn’t seem to really care about hoe Evan feels about things just what she thinks should be happening and I felt she was selfish in many of her actions just assuming and not actually talking about what she wanted.
I hated that Mal was ready to allow himself to be hurt just to keep Evan in his life. Now, I liked Evan and understood he is still hurting and needs certain things to cope with what happened to him but his running from basically everything wasn’t the answer and he doesn’t seem to get that. And while Mal is still working though how his parents’ treated him he is more willing to try. I don’t know but the ending gives a HFN vibe but doesn’t make me feel confident in their actual relationship.
Cover art by LC Chase is nice and you can see some of Evan’s troubles on his face.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
I am still not totally sure what I thought of this book, while I enjoyed it there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way too. Mal and Evan have been hurt by those in their pasts and though those experiences were drastically different at times their coping mechanisms end up hurting others.
This story had a lot of push and pull which I expect with characters that have tragic pasts but at points you have to suspend normal thinking in order to understand or accept how the characters acted. First off Evan hasn’t seen his sister is fifteen years because of what happened when they were teens and I gotta say, I’m not sure I really liked her. I know she had damage from their childhood too but she doesn’t seem to really care about hoe Evan feels about things just what she thinks should be happening and I felt she was selfish in many of her actions just assuming and not actually talking about what she wanted.
I hated that Mal was ready to allow himself to be hurt just to keep Evan in his life. Now, I liked Evan and understood he is still hurting and needs certain things to cope with what happened to him but his running from basically everything wasn’t the answer and he doesn’t seem to get that. And while Mal is still working though how his parents’ treated him he is more willing to try. I don’t know but the ending gives a HFN vibe but doesn’t make me feel confident in their actual relationship.
Cover art by LC Chase is nice and you can see some of Evan’s troubles on his face.
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