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At First Sight #2
The Queen & the Homo Jock King
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Sanford Stewart sure doesn't. In fact, he pretty much believes in the exact opposite, thanks to the Homo Jock King. It seems Darren Mayne lives for nothing more than to create chaos in Sandy’s perfectly ordered life, just for the hell of it. Sandy despises him, and nothing will ever change his mind.
Or so he tells himself.
It's not until the owner of Jack It—the club where Sandy performs as drag queen Helena Handbasket—comes to him with a desperate proposition that Sandy realizes he might have to put his feelings about Darren aside. Because Jack It will close unless someone can convince Andrew Taylor, the mayor of Tucson, to keep it open.
Someone like Darren, the mayor’s illegitimate son.
The foolproof plan is this: seduce Darren and push him to convince his father to renew Jack It’s contract with the city.
Simple, right?
Wrong.
Sanford Stewart sure doesn't. In fact, he pretty much believes in the exact opposite, thanks to the Homo Jock King. It seems Darren Mayne lives for nothing more than to create chaos in Sandy’s perfectly ordered life, just for the hell of it. Sandy despises him, and nothing will ever change his mind.
Or so he tells himself.
It's not until the owner of Jack It—the club where Sandy performs as drag queen Helena Handbasket—comes to him with a desperate proposition that Sandy realizes he might have to put his feelings about Darren aside. Because Jack It will close unless someone can convince Andrew Taylor, the mayor of Tucson, to keep it open.
Someone like Darren, the mayor’s illegitimate son.
The foolproof plan is this: seduce Darren and push him to convince his father to renew Jack It’s contract with the city.
Simple, right?
Wrong.
532 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2016
174 people are currently reading
2163 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Klune
64 books61k followersTJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 732 reviews
May 1, 2019
****Only $0.99 today at Amazon US! 5/1/19!***
~~~~~~~~~
I'm going to Meryl Streep the CRAP out of this review!
OMG, guys. Like, for real!
I read Tell Me It's Real almost exactly three years ago. Almost to the day. It was my first T.J. Klune book, and I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.
I made the unfortunate (fortunate??) mistake of reading Tell Me It's Real on an airplane, and I laughed so hard that I snorted coffee out of my nose while crammed in a coach seat between my husband and a stranger. I'm a very classy lady, I know.
This time around was probably going to be different, I thought. I prepped myself to not get my expectations up too high. I mean, I've read a LOT of books between then and now, and sometimes T.J.'s books can get a little OTT for me.
So I started reading The Queen & the Homo Jock King, casually with minimal expectations (yeah, right). But then it hit me... I looked at WHERE I was reading.
IT WAS MEANT TO BEEEEEEEEEE.
This book was one delicious, cracked-out treat. And I ADORED it!
If you didn't like the first book, don't even think about reading this one. It is just as crazy, hilarious, and insane as the first, and I mean that in the best possible way. We get more conversations with Nana and Paul's parents (love them!), more uncomfortable foot-in-mouth moments, and more Sandy than ever before. The plot was pretty nonsensical, but I honestly couldn't have cared less. It was touching, sexy (yes, we get the sexiest T.J. Klune sex-scene to date, but you have to wait until the end for it), and completely memorable. I didn't burn my nostrils with coffee this time, but I kind of wanted to because it was so good.
And we get all of that, PLUS DRAG QUEENS.
I couldn't get enough of Helena Handbasket, and I loved how she made Darren wait for it! Their relationship was full of sexual tension and it was slow-burny enough to satisfy me.
This series has a total soft spot in my heart. I thought that the length was perfect (though it is really long), and I didn't think that it was too unfocused or that too much time was spent on side characters.
It was that unique blend of utterly hilarious and totally heartfelt that only T.J. Klune can pull off. If you were a fan of Tell Me It's Real, run (don't walk) to buy this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
~~~~~~~~~
I'm going to Meryl Streep the CRAP out of this review!
OMG, guys. Like, for real!
I read Tell Me It's Real almost exactly three years ago. Almost to the day. It was my first T.J. Klune book, and I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.
I made the unfortunate (fortunate??) mistake of reading Tell Me It's Real on an airplane, and I laughed so hard that I snorted coffee out of my nose while crammed in a coach seat between my husband and a stranger. I'm a very classy lady, I know.
This time around was probably going to be different, I thought. I prepped myself to not get my expectations up too high. I mean, I've read a LOT of books between then and now, and sometimes T.J.'s books can get a little OTT for me.
So I started reading The Queen & the Homo Jock King, casually with minimal expectations (yeah, right). But then it hit me... I looked at WHERE I was reading.
IT WAS MEANT TO BEEEEEEEEEE.
This book was one delicious, cracked-out treat. And I ADORED it!
If you didn't like the first book, don't even think about reading this one. It is just as crazy, hilarious, and insane as the first, and I mean that in the best possible way. We get more conversations with Nana and Paul's parents (love them!), more uncomfortable foot-in-mouth moments, and more Sandy than ever before. The plot was pretty nonsensical, but I honestly couldn't have cared less. It was touching, sexy (yes, we get the sexiest T.J. Klune sex-scene to date, but you have to wait until the end for it), and completely memorable. I didn't burn my nostrils with coffee this time, but I kind of wanted to because it was so good.
And we get all of that, PLUS DRAG QUEENS.
I couldn't get enough of Helena Handbasket, and I loved how she made Darren wait for it! Their relationship was full of sexual tension and it was slow-burny enough to satisfy me.
This series has a total soft spot in my heart. I thought that the length was perfect (though it is really long), and I didn't think that it was too unfocused or that too much time was spent on side characters.
It was that unique blend of utterly hilarious and totally heartfelt that only T.J. Klune can pull off. If you were a fan of Tell Me It's Real, run (don't walk) to buy this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
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August 1, 2016Updated 8/1/16:
The audiobook, narrated by the fabulous Michael Lesley (he of Tell Met It's Real and The Lightning-Struck Heart) has been released as of today! I hope you're ready to hear the Queen and Homo Jock King brought to life! Michael will again show you why he is one of the absolute best narrators in MM today (yes, I am biased because of my adoration of him. I mean, come on! He's Gary, for fuck's sake).
http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/The...
The Queen has arrived...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Homo-Jock...]
Dreamspinner: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-q...
Updated 2/13/16:
Sandy and Paul's Gay Porno Adventure, an original 3K word story set in the world of Tell Me It’s Real and the upcoming sequel, The Queen & the Homo Jock King: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/01/guest-...
The audiobook, narrated by the fabulous Michael Lesley (he of Tell Met It's Real and The Lightning-Struck Heart) has been released as of today! I hope you're ready to hear the Queen and Homo Jock King brought to life! Michael will again show you why he is one of the absolute best narrators in MM today (yes, I am biased because of my adoration of him. I mean, come on! He's Gary, for fuck's sake).
http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/The...
The Queen has arrived...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Homo-Jock...]
Dreamspinner: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-q...
Updated 2/13/16:
Sandy and Paul's Gay Porno Adventure, an original 3K word story set in the world of Tell Me It’s Real and the upcoming sequel, The Queen & the Homo Jock King: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/01/guest-...
October 25, 2018
Okay, remember that one time when you heard about that one thing that was just all the fuck over the place and half the time you had no idea which end was even up? But it was just so much fun and chock full of awesome?
Meet. That. Thing. In book form.
Oh, yeah, this book goes there. Then it backs off for a couple of minutes, then it goes right the hell back again.
And I loved it.
Did the story feel laser focused? Fuck no, hardly. This isn't that book. It's full of rambley, blurty goodness that pretty much doesn't stop.
The basic premise of the story is this:
Darren and Vince's asshole, homophobic mayor of a father is trying to shut down the gay bar where Sandy, as Helena Handbasket, performs her drag shows.Yep, it's a bit out there. Well, not compared to a dragon rimming a unicorn, no, but still. Pretty whack-a-doo as plot lines go.
Sandy and Darren fake date, hiding their feelings for the majority of the book, then finally get over themselves, working to save the gay bar and feed crack babies in the process.
But it just works, because it's TJ's twisted mind tossing his unique flavor of 'special' all over the pages. (And I say that with nothing but lurve, you know that, TJ.)
To quote Darren, “Wait, what?” I'd laugh and laugh and laugh, then there it was. “Wait, what?” Then I'd be snickering uncontrollably. Again.
Darren:
Some of my favorite parts of the book included:
- Sandy/Helena's evil glares and death threats. Epic.Sweet Jesus, it just never really stopped, I shit you not.
- Paul being a fiercely-loyal BFF.
- Vince pouting.
- Sandy's "morning after" brunch.
- Sandy's incestuous 3-way and how she and Paul reacted to it. Priceless.
- BRIAN. SO MUCH BRIAN, just God!
- Bacon, because reasons. And who doesn't love bacon, right?
- Izaac's nipples.
- Biff, Chet and Xerxes.
- Good Cop, Bad Cop, Corrupt Cop.
- Bathroom crack.
- Twitchy meltdowns.
- Octavius, the foot-long sandwich model.
- The feeling that I got riiiiight before I read "Meep!" on the page.
- “Are you just… listing… things?” Why, yes. Yes, I am. : )
Plus, as a bit of an added bonus, this one contains what I think is the hottest, PORNY SMUT that I've ever seen TJ put on page. Yes, there was only really one sexy scene in the entire book, but fuck me, this was "THE motherfucking scene."
And the restaurant dumpster scene... : )
My only slight niggle was that for the book to have been about Sandy/Helena and Darren, I would've liked a bit more on-page time with Darren. Maybe even get in his head for a bit.
This one was fun and fucked up and oh so out there that, if you forget to take your ADD meds beforehand, you'll be utterly and hopelessly fucked. Not that you'll mind.
I'm sure this story would drive some to drink, but not me. Another sequel? Maybe Biff, Chet and Xerxes fall in love (hawt) and adopt Ecuadorian rug rats (awww)? Sure, why the hell not? If TJ is writing it, color me there.
If you're a fan of TJ's patented brand of " What the ever-lovin' fuck was that? " (with hands gesturing furiously,) then I suspect that you'll absolutely adore this one, too.
Overall, the story ranks a very solid 4.5 *word-boner* stars for me.
-----------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
November 8, 2017
**Warning: Gratuitous gifs ahead**
I'm obsessed with the At First Sight series, and The Queen & the Homo Jock King is one of my comfort reads. It is pure FUN- just outlandish, ridiculous, yet insanely heartfelt FUN. It strikes the perfect balance for me, and this book and Tell Me It's Real are my go-tos when I'm feeling down.
I won't fully recap the book because I've reviewed it before (check out my original review here), but I will say that it is a story for lovers of the style of Tell Me It's Real. If you like a slow-burn love story that is full one one-liners, characters exploding with personality, and sexual tension like WOAH, then you MUST read this series.
However, because this series is so near and dear to me, I avoided the audiobooks for a long time.
I am a huge audio lover, but sometimes an imperfect narrator will ruin a favorite book of mine, and the book is never the same again for me. And I actually get MAD about that, and I kick myself for spoiling something that I loved.
However, there was a TON of buzz around this series in audio, and I decided to dip my toe in with Tell Me It's Real. And, truthfully, Michael Lesley simply crushed it, just absolutely owned that narration, and so I decided to take a chance and move on with the series.
Between listening to TMiR and TQatHJK, I met Michael Lesley in person, and I was a teeny, tiny bit worried that meeting him would ruin my ability to get into the story. I was concerned that I would picture Michael Lesley talking instead of, say, Helena, which would be a bummer. Honestly, I shouldn't have worried because Michael Lesley so thoroughly throws himself into each character that it is hard to picture anyone but the characters themselves talking. His voices were DIVINE! Simply inspired, and I don't say that lightly. I can't picture anyone else reading those voices, and the fact that T.J. Klune picked him was pure fate.
The audio is long and insane in the best way (I knew it would be). Don't read this book if you don't want to experience a fabulous queen who is more than just a diva, BFFs who will dress in disguise for their friends, Nanas with floggers, old people exploring their sexual preferences, and some very interesting sex in some very interesting locations.
However, if you love T.J. Klune, and I know you do, then you MUST check this audiobook out. You'll thank me later.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I'm obsessed with the At First Sight series, and The Queen & the Homo Jock King is one of my comfort reads. It is pure FUN- just outlandish, ridiculous, yet insanely heartfelt FUN. It strikes the perfect balance for me, and this book and Tell Me It's Real are my go-tos when I'm feeling down.
I won't fully recap the book because I've reviewed it before (check out my original review here), but I will say that it is a story for lovers of the style of Tell Me It's Real. If you like a slow-burn love story that is full one one-liners, characters exploding with personality, and sexual tension like WOAH, then you MUST read this series.
However, because this series is so near and dear to me, I avoided the audiobooks for a long time.
I am a huge audio lover, but sometimes an imperfect narrator will ruin a favorite book of mine, and the book is never the same again for me. And I actually get MAD about that, and I kick myself for spoiling something that I loved.
However, there was a TON of buzz around this series in audio, and I decided to dip my toe in with Tell Me It's Real. And, truthfully, Michael Lesley simply crushed it, just absolutely owned that narration, and so I decided to take a chance and move on with the series.
Between listening to TMiR and TQatHJK, I met Michael Lesley in person, and I was a teeny, tiny bit worried that meeting him would ruin my ability to get into the story. I was concerned that I would picture Michael Lesley talking instead of, say, Helena, which would be a bummer. Honestly, I shouldn't have worried because Michael Lesley so thoroughly throws himself into each character that it is hard to picture anyone but the characters themselves talking. His voices were DIVINE! Simply inspired, and I don't say that lightly. I can't picture anyone else reading those voices, and the fact that T.J. Klune picked him was pure fate.
The audio is long and insane in the best way (I knew it would be). Don't read this book if you don't want to experience a fabulous queen who is more than just a diva, BFFs who will dress in disguise for their friends, Nanas with floggers, old people exploring their sexual preferences, and some very interesting sex in some very interesting locations.
However, if you love T.J. Klune, and I know you do, then you MUST check this audiobook out. You'll thank me later.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 26, 2019
First things first. We need to address the somehow not-cute elephant in the room. How is an elephant not cute? Probably because it was hired by the same people who made the decisions on the book covers for this series. You know, the blind. This one isn't even half as bad as the first one, but still. Come on, man! Anything is better than these terrible photos of average-to-unattractive people on your book covers. Anything at all.
Holyshitt!! My eyes!!
Okay, I stand corrected...
This is another male-male romance by TJ Klune, who I am now obsessed with. I'm sure that is exactly what this author was looking for while writing: middle-aged, married housewife fan-girls. If so, he has succeeded. Well done, sir!
This book is second in a series with hilarious gay men who are snarky and make me laugh hard enough to spew milk out of my nose... if I drank milk. But I don't. Milk is gross. Unless it is an ingredient in ice cream keep that cow excretion away from me. Far away.
Our hero is Sandy, who is also a drag queen by the name of Helena Handbasket. He is fierce and demands everyone to bow to his orders, including the other drag queens at the gay bar.
This show will go off perfectly as it always has. Are we clear?"
"Yes," the queens said.
"Good, and what do I always say?"
They spoke as one. "If I ever catch you performing 'Let It Go' from Frozen, I'll castrate you and feed your dicks to some horses.."
I clapped my hands together. "Isn't this just so much fun?"
I want to be Helena when I grow up. I don't get that level of respect from my kids.
So, Sandy had a bad experience with a jock, Darren, a few years back and has hated him ever since. Darren, however, seems to be in secret-love with Sandy. Through a truly stupid situation, they do the whole fake-boyfriend thing. It's funny, ridiculous, and OTT. I loved it.
At one point they go on a date to a restaurant and meet a waiter that was a great comedic element in the first book - Santiago. They are with the last couple, Paul and Vince, and Santiago has a thing for Vince. This means that he treats Paul .... well....
(Santiago, the greatest waiter ever):"Vincent? What would you like to drink?"
(Vince): "I'll have a mango margarita.."
(Santiago TGWE): "One mango margarita for mi corazon. Father accountant? (What he calls Paul) We don't make drinks out of bread and butter. I suppose I could bring you a gravy boat if you'd like."
(Paul, he's a little chubby): "You bitch. I'll have the same as Vincent."
(Santiago TGWE): "One Diet Coke, hold the ice, you got it, good life choice. Should I point out the heart-healthy items on the menu? You look like you have a high sodium intake."
In case you were wondering - no, this isn't one of those restaurants where the waiters are super rude to you and people actually line up to go there because they secretly hate themselves or are masochists or whatever...
yeah, I don't think I'll go there until I'm ready to retire in a nice quiet prison cell.
But, bitchy waiters in bookland? I love it!
This book is filled with hilarity, snark, and sex. It is not for the faint-of-heart, but definitely for those who love the funny and gay romance. I didn't read too much in this genre before, but I am becoming a huge fan. I don't get as many book-boyfriends out of it, but I get tons of crazy outburst laughing and that's almost as good.
Holyshitt!! My eyes!!
Okay, I stand corrected...
This is another male-male romance by TJ Klune, who I am now obsessed with. I'm sure that is exactly what this author was looking for while writing: middle-aged, married housewife fan-girls. If so, he has succeeded. Well done, sir!
This book is second in a series with hilarious gay men who are snarky and make me laugh hard enough to spew milk out of my nose... if I drank milk. But I don't. Milk is gross. Unless it is an ingredient in ice cream keep that cow excretion away from me. Far away.
Our hero is Sandy, who is also a drag queen by the name of Helena Handbasket. He is fierce and demands everyone to bow to his orders, including the other drag queens at the gay bar.
This show will go off perfectly as it always has. Are we clear?"
"Yes," the queens said.
"Good, and what do I always say?"
They spoke as one. "If I ever catch you performing 'Let It Go' from Frozen, I'll castrate you and feed your dicks to some horses.."
I clapped my hands together. "Isn't this just so much fun?"
I want to be Helena when I grow up. I don't get that level of respect from my kids.
So, Sandy had a bad experience with a jock, Darren, a few years back and has hated him ever since. Darren, however, seems to be in secret-love with Sandy. Through a truly stupid situation, they do the whole fake-boyfriend thing. It's funny, ridiculous, and OTT. I loved it.
At one point they go on a date to a restaurant and meet a waiter that was a great comedic element in the first book - Santiago. They are with the last couple, Paul and Vince, and Santiago has a thing for Vince. This means that he treats Paul .... well....
(Santiago, the greatest waiter ever):"Vincent? What would you like to drink?"
(Vince): "I'll have a mango margarita.."
(Santiago TGWE): "One mango margarita for mi corazon. Father accountant? (What he calls Paul) We don't make drinks out of bread and butter. I suppose I could bring you a gravy boat if you'd like."
(Paul, he's a little chubby): "You bitch. I'll have the same as Vincent."
(Santiago TGWE): "One Diet Coke, hold the ice, you got it, good life choice. Should I point out the heart-healthy items on the menu? You look like you have a high sodium intake."
In case you were wondering - no, this isn't one of those restaurants where the waiters are super rude to you and people actually line up to go there because they secretly hate themselves or are masochists or whatever...
yeah, I don't think I'll go there until I'm ready to retire in a nice quiet prison cell.
But, bitchy waiters in bookland? I love it!
This book is filled with hilarity, snark, and sex. It is not for the faint-of-heart, but definitely for those who love the funny and gay romance. I didn't read too much in this genre before, but I am becoming a huge fan. I don't get as many book-boyfriends out of it, but I get tons of crazy outburst laughing and that's almost as good.
March 4, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Classic Klune and when I say such I mean fucking ingenious humor that comes out of nowhere and bitch slaps you with the audacity, ridiculousness, and the honest truth. The guy has no shame and neither do his characters.
There are so many fabulous things to love despite this toeing (really, going over) the line on miscommunication and separation by years. It’s a testament that Klune can do this to me and not make me overly upset by it.
Darren surprisingly threw me for a loop. He’s no Otter (honey, no one is) but he’s quite the sexy beast, and I was shocked by my reaction to him. No complaints there tho. Nope. Vince comes in as a close second as the most loveable smartest clueless wonder of a human being. The guy is comedy gold.
Obviously, this was another win, and I look forward to the not-destination wedding at a horse farm. Oh just start the series if you haven’t already!!
Classic Klune and when I say such I mean fucking ingenious humor that comes out of nowhere and bitch slaps you with the audacity, ridiculousness, and the honest truth. The guy has no shame and neither do his characters.
There are so many fabulous things to love despite this toeing (really, going over) the line on miscommunication and separation by years. It’s a testament that Klune can do this to me and not make me overly upset by it.
Darren surprisingly threw me for a loop. He’s no Otter (honey, no one is) but he’s quite the sexy beast, and I was shocked by my reaction to him. No complaints there tho. Nope. Vince comes in as a close second as the most loveable smartest clueless wonder of a human being. The guy is comedy gold.
Obviously, this was another win, and I look forward to the not-destination wedding at a horse farm. Oh just start the series if you haven’t already!!
February 15, 2017
Audio review
I've never been into audio books. I never felt that they could bring the story and characters to life the same way as reading the book would. I'd started a couple and set them aside. Then after a couple years I tried Wolfsong and loved it. I decided to try this audio in preparation of Until You's release. Best. Decision. Ever.
Michael Lesley:
You brought these characters to life. It was truly amazing and hysterical to listen to. If you're a non audio person like I was give this a try. I recommend this enough! 5 stars!
*******************
TJ Klune:
This book was:
There are things that I expect that Klune ALWAYS delivers:
Great character development ✔
Snarky, hilarious dialogue ✔
Outstanding relationship development ✔ King of Slow Burn anyone? Helena Handbasket & Darren- there's nothing better than sexual tension build up, and the payout for waiting was the best TJ'S written!
The best cast of characters- main and secondary ✔
And Wookie face ✔ <---Don't worry about this bit too much, though! He took it easy on us and didn't make us ugly cry.
And this book delivered! There's nothing better than getting lost with a group of characters that you adore- it feels like going home, and that's exactly how I felt.
As far as this being book two in the series- you definitely should read book one first. That book is freakin' awesome, so you'll be the better for reading it anyhow. ;)
This book gets 5 This Sequel Is Not To Be Missed Stars! TJ Klune is a master of his craft and like a great wine just keeps getting better and better.
PS. I've said before, and I'll say again- someone, please make this man's books into movies!
ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
I've never been into audio books. I never felt that they could bring the story and characters to life the same way as reading the book would. I'd started a couple and set them aside. Then after a couple years I tried Wolfsong and loved it. I decided to try this audio in preparation of Until You's release. Best. Decision. Ever.
Michael Lesley:
You brought these characters to life. It was truly amazing and hysterical to listen to. If you're a non audio person like I was give this a try. I recommend this enough! 5 stars!
*******************
TJ Klune:
This book was:
There are things that I expect that Klune ALWAYS delivers:
Great character development ✔
Snarky, hilarious dialogue ✔
Outstanding relationship development ✔ King of Slow Burn anyone? Helena Handbasket & Darren- there's nothing better than sexual tension build up, and the payout for waiting was the best TJ'S written!
The best cast of characters- main and secondary ✔
And Wookie face ✔ <---Don't worry about this bit too much, though! He took it easy on us and didn't make us ugly cry.
And this book delivered! There's nothing better than getting lost with a group of characters that you adore- it feels like going home, and that's exactly how I felt.
As far as this being book two in the series- you definitely should read book one first. That book is freakin' awesome, so you'll be the better for reading it anyhow. ;)
This book gets 5 This Sequel Is Not To Be Missed Stars! TJ Klune is a master of his craft and like a great wine just keeps getting better and better.
PS. I've said before, and I'll say again- someone, please make this man's books into movies!
ARC kindly provided by Dreamspinner Press to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
April 7, 2018
4.5 Stars
I have expectations of a T.J. Klune novel. It must be funny, it should have some emotions tucked into it too, and above all, it should be written so I can devour it quickly thoroughly enjoying every turn of the page.
This had the potential to go either really wrong or really right. Luckily, my faith in T.J. Klune remains unblemished, because this was totally right.
I love the humor, the feels (though I was a little surprised I didn't get hit with wookie cry face), and the way Klune handles bringing back some of my favorite characters.
Sandy is, of course, fierce and divine and hot mess and wonderful.
Paul and Vince, Matty and Larry Auster, Nana...they're all back and in rare form. Some of the text conversations and interactions in this story...So. Freaking. Funny.
There's some miscommunication, which drives me up a wall, but it works here for the most part and shows how well it's written that I didn't want to chuck my Kindle through a window. I especially loved how Sandy handles the whole seduction of Darren Mayne, Homo Jock King. It's brilliant, and funny, and had me snort laughing until it was hard to breathe.
In the end, the whole thing is deliciously well done, and if you are a fan of Tell Me It's Real you will not be disappointed in this.
Highly Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Queen & the Homo Jock King provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Michael Lesley is back! I absolutely love him voicing these characters! His character voices are terrific, his comedic timing is fabulous, and his performance is fierce.
Michael's performance reminds me of the old radio shows before television and movies became popular. This is a full performance. If you loved Tell Me It's Real, you'll love this one as well. It's brilliant, and funny, and had me snort laughing until it was hard to breathe.
If you've listened to Michael Lesley's performance of Tell Me It's Real then you know you are going to laugh your ass off. If you haven't then what the hell are you waiting for?! GO! Go buy it right now! And definitely pick this up while you're at it.
Now go!
I have expectations of a T.J. Klune novel. It must be funny, it should have some emotions tucked into it too, and above all, it should be written so I can devour it quickly thoroughly enjoying every turn of the page.
This had the potential to go either really wrong or really right. Luckily, my faith in T.J. Klune remains unblemished, because this was totally right.
I love the humor, the feels (though I was a little surprised I didn't get hit with wookie cry face), and the way Klune handles bringing back some of my favorite characters.
Sandy is, of course, fierce and divine and hot mess and wonderful.
I felt something like fire bloom within me. It was strength and passion and the urge to become something more than what I already was.
It was another moment.
She’d given it to me, whether she knew it or not.
And I was going to run with it as fast as I could.
It felt good, having the decision made.
“I’m going to be a fucking drag queen,” I said in awe.
“Oh sweat balls,” Paul sighed.
Paul and Vince, Matty and Larry Auster, Nana...they're all back and in rare form. Some of the text conversations and interactions in this story...So. Freaking. Funny.
There's some miscommunication, which drives me up a wall, but it works here for the most part and shows how well it's written that I didn't want to chuck my Kindle through a window. I especially loved how Sandy handles the whole seduction of Darren Mayne, Homo Jock King. It's brilliant, and funny, and had me snort laughing until it was hard to breathe.
In the end, the whole thing is deliciously well done, and if you are a fan of Tell Me It's Real you will not be disappointed in this.
“I remember,” he said as he began to wipe away Helena, “the first time I saw you.”
I did too, something seared into my memory, but it wasn’t about me, right then.
“You were this… fierce thing,” he said, moving the wipe to my left eye, pressing carefully to the eyelid. “Tall and gorgeous and fucking bitchy as all hell.” He set the wipe down behind me and then pulled out another. He started in on the other eye. “And I didn’t think I’d ever seen anything as amazing as you before.”
My throat clicked audibly as I wondered where this was leading to. Because he was talking about Helena, not me.
“You were with Paul,” he continued. “Though I didn’t know who he was at the time. All I wanted to do was find out who you were.”
He finished with my eyes and used another wipe on my cheeks. My lips, though, there wasn’t much lipstick left.
He didn’t say much more until he’d finished. By the time he sat back, my skin felt raw and my heart was tripping all over itself in my chest.
“And then you disappeared,” he said. “But you came back. As her.”
I froze.
He sighed and took my hands in his. “You were Sandy when I first saw you,” he said, squeezing my fingers. “You were Helena when I saw you again.”
Highly Recommended!
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Queen & the Homo Jock King provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Michael Lesley is back! I absolutely love him voicing these characters! His character voices are terrific, his comedic timing is fabulous, and his performance is fierce.
Michael's performance reminds me of the old radio shows before television and movies became popular. This is a full performance. If you loved Tell Me It's Real, you'll love this one as well. It's brilliant, and funny, and had me snort laughing until it was hard to breathe.
If you've listened to Michael Lesley's performance of Tell Me It's Real then you know you are going to laugh your ass off. If you haven't then what the hell are you waiting for?! GO! Go buy it right now! And definitely pick this up while you're at it.
Now go!
September 12, 2024
4.5 Stars
What is there to even say, really?!
If you’ve read Klune’s stories you know what kind of brilliance to expect - brilliance in the writing quality and the overall genius of the storytelling; brilliance in the creation of memorable characters that you quickly come to treasure and adore; brilliance in the level of hilarity present, the kind that has you giggle-snorting inappropriately in public places; brilliance in the depth and range of emotions elicited, often leaving you an emotional wreck in the best possible ways; and definitely brilliance in the development of each slow burn romance that easily holds you captivated and has your heart exploding in happiness by the time you turn that final page.
Yep, that kind of brilliance.
So, to sum up, this story was fantastic, as usual. Go read it!
The end.
What is there to even say, really?!
If you’ve read Klune’s stories you know what kind of brilliance to expect - brilliance in the writing quality and the overall genius of the storytelling; brilliance in the creation of memorable characters that you quickly come to treasure and adore; brilliance in the level of hilarity present, the kind that has you giggle-snorting inappropriately in public places; brilliance in the depth and range of emotions elicited, often leaving you an emotional wreck in the best possible ways; and definitely brilliance in the development of each slow burn romance that easily holds you captivated and has your heart exploding in happiness by the time you turn that final page.
Yep, that kind of brilliance.
So, to sum up, this story was fantastic, as usual. Go read it!
The end.
September 12, 2024
3.75 stars
This is TJ Klune at his funniest! This book had me bursting out laughing and then taking snapshots of the kindle screen and sending it to my friends!
A very unconventional love story, I think the only other drag queen romance I've ever read was Painted Faces by LH Cosway and that was verrryyy different from this one.
Other than really loving it, I had some issues with it. For one, I was dying for the romance between Sandy and Darren and what we got with this book was a book about Sandy and everyone BUT Darren which was a tad disappointing. I wanted to see more of the two of them together. And sometimes it was a bit over the top with shenanigans that completely wiped out the plot of the book. Hence why I am giving this 3.75 stars and not a higher rating...
But still a very solid and funny book. Klune is an excellent writer and I am excited to read more by him in the near future.
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This is TJ Klune at his funniest! This book had me bursting out laughing and then taking snapshots of the kindle screen and sending it to my friends!
A very unconventional love story, I think the only other drag queen romance I've ever read was Painted Faces by LH Cosway and that was verrryyy different from this one.
Other than really loving it, I had some issues with it. For one, I was dying for the romance between Sandy and Darren and what we got with this book was a book about Sandy and everyone BUT Darren which was a tad disappointing. I wanted to see more of the two of them together. And sometimes it was a bit over the top with shenanigans that completely wiped out the plot of the book. Hence why I am giving this 3.75 stars and not a higher rating...
But still a very solid and funny book. Klune is an excellent writer and I am excited to read more by him in the near future.
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February 29, 2016
WARNING! This book will cause excessive snorting, spluttering, belly laughing and explosive LOL'ing. Those of a weak (bladder) disposition may want to stock up on the Tena's before opening book or Kindle and keep a spare pair (or two...possibly three) of scanties close to hand in case of involuntary leakage. As leakage WILL occur...a lot.
Thank you...review now following!".
Oh my Lordy! This enemies to lovers book made me soooo happy. Only 2% in and I was already wallowing in TJ Klune's situational comedy style genius. Mr Klune is a naturally funny guy and this is one hell of a funny book. No...scratch that. The man is a comedic genius and this book is bloody hilarious; but if sassy humour is your thing, and you've read Tell Me It's Real, or come to that, anything by this talented author, you'll already know this for a fact.
He had me at its flashback prologue, in which a seventeen year old Paul and Sandy attempt to bullshit their way into the local gay club 'Jack It'—disguised as a false moustached leather cub (not a daddy because he's not old enough yet, lol) and his slutty, lollipop sucking, giggling twink sidekick—but fail miserably!
I actually giggled out loud at their pathetic but side splitting attempts to fool a then younger Daddy Charlie (Awww love Daddy Charlie), into letting them into Jack It, to do "gay-bar things" like "drinking and blow jobs". And snorted out loud at Sandy's epiphanic introduction to the statuesque sarky queen who would much later become his adored drag mother: Vaguyna Muffman! OMG! Best. name. ever!
Funny as fuck, that level of jaw aching hilarity carried on throughout the story as I got further embroiled in the madcap, convoluted world of Sanford 'Sandy' Stewart and his awe inspiring drag persona; the glorious "You may prostrate yourself in the face of my beauty and magnificence" Helena Handbasket! (So modest...hahaha)
I love drag! In fact I have a Pinterest board solely paying homage to RuPauls Drag Race and every awesome queen who ever "Shantay you stayed" or "sashayed away" and I'm convinced if I was ever to have a past life regression they'd find out I was once super fishy queen 'Connie Lingers'; throwing shade with a tongue so sharp it could drop a heckler at fifty paces, lip syncing for my life and saying "Bitch! Please!" like I was born to sass! But...*Sigh*...methinks I'll just have to be content with living vicariously through brilliantly portrayed characters like this...because "Bitch! Please!" Ms Handbasket is one fierce queen! *Finger snap, hair toss, Beyoncé slut drop*
(BTW, that’s Helena, erm, mine’s more…*finger thud, hair loss, Beyoncé slut droop!*
I originally felt the love for these guys in Tell Me it's Real, another example of TJ's wicked sense of snappy humour. Neurotic, self deprecating but lovable Paul and the adorable but oh so dumb jock, Vince; the gorgeous hunk who stole his heart. Ex BDSM doorman "Daddy" Charlie, generally the voice of reason in moments of stress and madness, and the mad as a box of frogs but ever loving family unit including Paul's Mum and dad Matty and Larry and Nana; his dippy, muumuu wearing, inappropriate gran. Three more over the top but lovable personalities who just add more craziness to the pot. And who could forget Johnny Depp, the potty mouthed, obnoxiously homophobic parrot who adores Vince but hates Paul, and sweet Wheels, the disabled, poop machine dog. Lol…Even the pets are two sandwiches short of a picnic!....
For rest of review follow Sinfully link -> http://bit.ly/1LKIKEz
Thank you...review now following!".
Oh my Lordy! This enemies to lovers book made me soooo happy. Only 2% in and I was already wallowing in TJ Klune's situational comedy style genius. Mr Klune is a naturally funny guy and this is one hell of a funny book. No...scratch that. The man is a comedic genius and this book is bloody hilarious; but if sassy humour is your thing, and you've read Tell Me It's Real, or come to that, anything by this talented author, you'll already know this for a fact.
He had me at its flashback prologue, in which a seventeen year old Paul and Sandy attempt to bullshit their way into the local gay club 'Jack It'—disguised as a false moustached leather cub (not a daddy because he's not old enough yet, lol) and his slutty, lollipop sucking, giggling twink sidekick—but fail miserably!
I actually giggled out loud at their pathetic but side splitting attempts to fool a then younger Daddy Charlie (Awww love Daddy Charlie), into letting them into Jack It, to do "gay-bar things" like "drinking and blow jobs". And snorted out loud at Sandy's epiphanic introduction to the statuesque sarky queen who would much later become his adored drag mother: Vaguyna Muffman! OMG! Best. name. ever!
Funny as fuck, that level of jaw aching hilarity carried on throughout the story as I got further embroiled in the madcap, convoluted world of Sanford 'Sandy' Stewart and his awe inspiring drag persona; the glorious "You may prostrate yourself in the face of my beauty and magnificence" Helena Handbasket! (So modest...hahaha)
I love drag! In fact I have a Pinterest board solely paying homage to RuPauls Drag Race and every awesome queen who ever "Shantay you stayed" or "sashayed away" and I'm convinced if I was ever to have a past life regression they'd find out I was once super fishy queen 'Connie Lingers'; throwing shade with a tongue so sharp it could drop a heckler at fifty paces, lip syncing for my life and saying "Bitch! Please!" like I was born to sass! But...*Sigh*...methinks I'll just have to be content with living vicariously through brilliantly portrayed characters like this...because "Bitch! Please!" Ms Handbasket is one fierce queen! *Finger snap, hair toss, Beyoncé slut drop*
(BTW, that’s Helena, erm, mine’s more…*finger thud, hair loss, Beyoncé slut droop!*
I originally felt the love for these guys in Tell Me it's Real, another example of TJ's wicked sense of snappy humour. Neurotic, self deprecating but lovable Paul and the adorable but oh so dumb jock, Vince; the gorgeous hunk who stole his heart. Ex BDSM doorman "Daddy" Charlie, generally the voice of reason in moments of stress and madness, and the mad as a box of frogs but ever loving family unit including Paul's Mum and dad Matty and Larry and Nana; his dippy, muumuu wearing, inappropriate gran. Three more over the top but lovable personalities who just add more craziness to the pot. And who could forget Johnny Depp, the potty mouthed, obnoxiously homophobic parrot who adores Vince but hates Paul, and sweet Wheels, the disabled, poop machine dog. Lol…Even the pets are two sandwiches short of a picnic!....
For rest of review follow Sinfully link -> http://bit.ly/1LKIKEz
May 28, 2017
I laughed my ass off, reading "Tell me it's real", and even though I really liked Sandy and Darren in that book, I didn't expect their story to top Paul and Vince's. I was so freaking wrong about that !! I loved this book even more than I did the first !!
This book made me snort coffee out of my nose, but also managed to make me cry !! I am exhausted...but in a very good way :)
Again, the humor in this book is quite OTT, so it may not be for everyone, but it sure as hell was perfect for me.
Everyone who has read the first book in this series (which I would highly recommend), knows that Sandy / Helena and Darren can't stand each other. Or so it seems...
"Darren Mayne is a fucking dick and I want absolutely nothing to do with him"
What we didn't know however, is that there is a reason for Sandy's hate and I admit that when I found out, I shed a little tear for my favorite drag queen. Most of the tears I shed were from laughter though..so no worries !
Trying to explain what this book is all about would be a ridiculous feat and it would also ruin the story, so I will just give you some of my highlights :
The fabulousness that is Helena Handbasket
The banter (foreplay) between Darren and Sandy/Helena
Paul and Vince, I was so happy to see them again.
Izaak the straight bartender !!
The Homo Jocks.. Biff, Chett and Xerxes ..lol
Helena, Vince, Paul and Cory spying on Darren
The extremely HOT sexscene between Sandy and Darren !
And much much more !!!!!
So, another amazing book by TJ Klune...which I should have expected !! I hope we'll get Kori/Corey's story in the future.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
January 2, 2025
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 AUDIO 2023 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
4.5***** stars
Who loved TJ’s Tales of Verania in regards of witty writing, great banter, the most hilarious entertainment and the most special of the specialest of queer characters will def enjoy (and laugh their asses off with) this book/series as well.
And ofc Michael Lesley once again brought TJ’s characters to life like probably no other could have. Absolutely fantastic performance for the audio.
The story was def character-driven more than anything else rather than plot-driven. I wished more than once I had the ebook too, I would’ve highlighted the fuck out of it.
And my god, Sandy really was such a Queen! I loooooved how Darren (the homo jock king) was handling him/her - depending on wether Sandy was his dramatic self or Queen Helena. So good.
***************
At First Sight Series
Book 1 - Tell Me It’s Real
Book 2 - The Queen & The Homo Jock King - 4.5 stars
Book 2.5 - Until You
Book 3 - Why We Fight
4.5***** stars
Who loved TJ’s Tales of Verania in regards of witty writing, great banter, the most hilarious entertainment and the most special of the specialest of queer characters will def enjoy (and laugh their asses off with) this book/series as well.
And ofc Michael Lesley once again brought TJ’s characters to life like probably no other could have. Absolutely fantastic performance for the audio.
The story was def character-driven more than anything else rather than plot-driven. I wished more than once I had the ebook too, I would’ve highlighted the fuck out of it.
And my god, Sandy really was such a Queen! I loooooved how Darren (the homo jock king) was handling him/her - depending on wether Sandy was his dramatic self or Queen Helena. So good.
***************
At First Sight Series
Book 1 - Tell Me It’s Real
Book 2 - The Queen & The Homo Jock King - 4.5 stars
Book 2.5 - Until You
Book 3 - Why We Fight
September 18, 2021
We met Sandy in Tell Me It's Real and saw his fierceness, his loyalty. We saw it again in Ty and Dominic’s story, The Art of Breathing(damn you TJ for the number of tissues I went through on THAT book), when Corey/Kori moves in with Sandy. So I’ve always appreciated the dichotomy of Sanford Stewart and his drag show character, Helena Handbasket. Sandy thinks they’re very different. He thinks Helena is fierce and strong, while he’s more meek and introverted. *Snort* That may be how Sandy feels, but there is nothing meek or introverted about Sanford Stewart either. In his defense, Kanye West seems meek and introverted compared to Helena.
We’ve known for a long time that Sandy “hates” Darren Mayne, the King of the Homo Jocks. But no one knows why. And he’s not sharing. But now that we’re completely in Sandy’s POV, things come to light. And I gotta say, I was kinda shocked and in complete agreement with the hurt feelings. Stupid TJ and his stupid tissues.
But here’s the thing…..there isn’t really animosity. If what had gone down years ago had led to animosity, at this point in time, Sandy would barely care. He’d acknowledge Darren as someone who’s around because of his best friend, Paul, but that’s it. He wouldn’t feel the need to antagonize Darren. He wouldn’t push his buttons. Not to mention, their mutual friends/family have been telling them for years now that they each have feelings for the other, but neither believe that load of “bullshit.”
What Sandy and Darren really have is flirting and foreplay. YEARS of it. Can you imagine? It was really funny and amazing once you got past the fact that it wasn’t all immature snark. What the feelings behind it were truly about. And it became painful. I was sad for them. Knowing what Sandy went through because of Darren, even though it’s many years later. And the readers know how much they care about each other. And so knowing what Darren is continuing to go through now because of Sandy. Yeah……it was flirting and foreplay. But it was painful because TJ sneaks up on you and punches you in the feelz!
This book has exactly what you’d expect from one of TJ’s more humorous stories. There’s OTT jokes. There’s mayhem. There’re secondary characters who you remember so fondly from Book 1, you will smile for days. Vince still has my heart.
I will say that with only Sandy’s POV, which is typical of TJ to only do one MC and I’m normally not missing a THING, I was missing something in this one. I felt that Darren’s character wasn’t nearly explored enough in this book. I didn’t get to know him as much as I wanted to.
Other than that, this was a fun read that was exactly what I was expecting with some sweet moments, some funny moments, and some OTT moments. This book was perfectly set up for the next in the series, which will likely feature Corey/Kori.
Congratulations to Sandy and Darren for the longest foreplay in the history of forever!
We’ve known for a long time that Sandy “hates” Darren Mayne, the King of the Homo Jocks. But no one knows why. And he’s not sharing. But now that we’re completely in Sandy’s POV, things come to light. And I gotta say, I was kinda shocked and in complete agreement with the hurt feelings. Stupid TJ and his stupid tissues.
But here’s the thing…..there isn’t really animosity. If what had gone down years ago had led to animosity, at this point in time, Sandy would barely care. He’d acknowledge Darren as someone who’s around because of his best friend, Paul, but that’s it. He wouldn’t feel the need to antagonize Darren. He wouldn’t push his buttons. Not to mention, their mutual friends/family have been telling them for years now that they each have feelings for the other, but neither believe that load of “bullshit.”
”Because I’m so inclined to help you right this second.”
“Hey! You should be. This is, like, super important.”
“Like, really?” [Darren] mocked. “Like, super important?”
What Sandy and Darren really have is flirting and foreplay. YEARS of it. Can you imagine? It was really funny and amazing once you got past the fact that it wasn’t all immature snark. What the feelings behind it were truly about. And it became painful. I was sad for them. Knowing what Sandy went through because of Darren, even though it’s many years later. And the readers know how much they care about each other. And so knowing what Darren is continuing to go through now because of Sandy. Yeah……it was flirting and foreplay. But it was painful because TJ sneaks up on you and punches you in the feelz!
This book has exactly what you’d expect from one of TJ’s more humorous stories. There’s OTT jokes. There’s mayhem. There’re secondary characters who you remember so fondly from Book 1, you will smile for days. Vince still has my heart.
”He would’ve gotten away with it too,” Vince said, “if it hadn’t been for you meddling queens.”
“I’m teaching him sarcasm,” Paul said as I gaped at Vince.
“I’m learning to be a bitch,” Vince said proudly.
I will say that with only Sandy’s POV, which is typical of TJ to only do one MC and I’m normally not missing a THING, I was missing something in this one. I felt that Darren’s character wasn’t nearly explored enough in this book. I didn’t get to know him as much as I wanted to.
Other than that, this was a fun read that was exactly what I was expecting with some sweet moments, some funny moments, and some OTT moments. This book was perfectly set up for the next in the series, which will likely feature Corey/Kori.
Congratulations to Sandy and Darren for the longest foreplay in the history of forever!
”I’ve been watching you for years,” [Darren] said, unbearably smug. “I would know you anywhere.”
August 30, 2017
Darren being determined AF is sooo hooot!!!
Okay... Let me start with my critiques. I want to get it out of the way first: IT WAS NOT AS FUNNY AS Tell Me It's Real. The author tried, I can feel that. But I still didn't find it as funny or as over the top as the first book.
And also the plot was just ridiculous! But, I LOVED how it eventually panned out. I'm not gonna spoil it but for those who've read it, you know what I mean.
This is not my favorite T.J. Klune book. But compared to all the other books I've ever read, it still ranks higher than most of them.
Also, I'm in love with these characters already. So reading about Sandy and Darren finally getting it and getting it on was gratifying to read. Especially when Darren turns all determined and sexy! Fudge!!! XD
And I would like to point out that the dialogue in here are fantastic. It's exactly what you would expect you'll hear from a real person rather from a book character which I appreciate so much.
I think T.J. Klune fans will love it! Others will probably at least like it.
3.5 STARS.
January 8, 2017
T.J. Klune you brilliant creature!
There aren't enough words in this world that I can use to describe your books. They're all amazing. This one couldn't be any different.
When the drag Queen Helena/Sandy gets involved into mischievous affairs with the homo jock King-Darren, what could possibly go wrong? The answer: Everything!
I loved the humor in this book and in all TJ's ones. He's absolutely amazing. His mind is beautiful. Only he can make laugh so much (in every single page of the book; the dialogues and interactions between all the characters are astonishing), and then make me sob hysterically.
There was a heart-wrenching moment (not the dramatic kind though), that made my heart rate go up and up, finalizing it in the sweetest way Ever.
And if I haven't said it enough until now, there it is again:
T.J. Klune...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! Please, never stop writing books!
-One of your biggest fans
This is the best cover yet :D
There aren't enough words in this world that I can use to describe your books. They're all amazing. This one couldn't be any different.
When the drag Queen Helena/Sandy gets involved into mischievous affairs with the homo jock King-Darren, what could possibly go wrong? The answer: Everything!
I loved the humor in this book and in all TJ's ones. He's absolutely amazing. His mind is beautiful. Only he can make laugh so much (in every single page of the book; the dialogues and interactions between all the characters are astonishing), and then make me sob hysterically.
There was a heart-wrenching moment (not the dramatic kind though), that made my heart rate go up and up, finalizing it in the sweetest way Ever.
And if I haven't said it enough until now, there it is again:
T.J. Klune...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! Please, never stop writing books!
-One of your biggest fans
This is the best cover yet :D
March 15, 2016
"You have to remember that people can change. Who we once were isn't who we're always going to be."
Over the top fabulousness! So what I've come to expect from TJ Klune basically.
Awkward dinners, word vomiting all over the place, ridiculous, and I mean ridiculous, UST. I was getting ready to kick Sandy and Darren around the place. For someone so awesome Sandy and Helena were like proper stupid.
This was everything I wanted it to be. I am like stupid in love with drag queens, I personally think that bars without shows are kind of crap (I recently went to my favourite bar on a night without a show and was absolutely crushed by the lack of pure magic) and this book is like being involved in a show.
As Queen Dolly says:
I kind of still want to be a drag queen though!!
^^^
That's Regina. She's my favourite!!!!
So this was lots of fun. Lots of insanity. Lots of ridiculousness and I wish it wasn't over.
Corey/Kori up next. Very excited about that and it means that we will get more Paul and Sandy magic!! YAY!!
"Well it's a good thing you're a bottom, because you're an asshole, so the two of you fit together just fine."
"Wow," I said. "That was a thing of beauty."
Paul looked rather pleased with himself. "Thank you. Wordplay is just like foreplay. You have to just into it a little-"
"Your, you're losing me now."
Oh and the group texts.
___^___\o/____ <----- For the motherfucking win.
_____________________________________
World-exclusive excerpt: on My Fiction Nook
“Sandy, I look like I’m part of a Village People tribute band playing in a Four Seasons ballroom near the Milwaukie Airport. You look like you’re working undercover to catch pedophiles in the act. Nothing about this is fine.”
Over the top fabulousness! So what I've come to expect from TJ Klune basically.
Awkward dinners, word vomiting all over the place, ridiculous, and I mean ridiculous, UST. I was getting ready to kick Sandy and Darren around the place. For someone so awesome Sandy and Helena were like proper stupid.
This was everything I wanted it to be. I am like stupid in love with drag queens, I personally think that bars without shows are kind of crap (I recently went to my favourite bar on a night without a show and was absolutely crushed by the lack of pure magic) and this book is like being involved in a show.
As Queen Dolly says:
I kind of still want to be a drag queen though!!
^^^
That's Regina. She's my favourite!!!!
So this was lots of fun. Lots of insanity. Lots of ridiculousness and I wish it wasn't over.
Corey/Kori up next. Very excited about that and it means that we will get more Paul and Sandy magic!! YAY!!
"Well it's a good thing you're a bottom, because you're an asshole, so the two of you fit together just fine."
"Wow," I said. "That was a thing of beauty."
Paul looked rather pleased with himself. "Thank you. Wordplay is just like foreplay. You have to just into it a little-"
"Your, you're losing me now."
Oh and the group texts.
___^___\o/____ <----- For the motherfucking win.
_____________________________________
World-exclusive excerpt: on My Fiction Nook
“Sandy, I look like I’m part of a Village People tribute band playing in a Four Seasons ballroom near the Milwaukie Airport. You look like you’re working undercover to catch pedophiles in the act. Nothing about this is fine.”
March 6, 2016
Absolutely hilarious, plus feelz and deliciously hard earned dirty bits. It's a complete package of fun.
I let this book make me its bitch and I loved every minute of it.
You have to read Tell Me It’s Real to appreciate the sequel, no doubt. Sandy/Helena is too big for one book and knowing his backstory through Tell Me It’s Real makes him that much more amazing. Helena is all the things that Sandy is not but wants to be. Helena is bold and fearless where Sandy is shy and sweet. And, thank sweet baby jeebus, he has that special brand of manic that makes me love this authors characters. But, Sandy is more than Helena and to get the full scope of his character, you need both books. I loved reading about Paul, Vincent and Paul’s family again, I missed them. And, Charlie. Oh Charlie, I’m so glad I got more of his story. The Most Awkward Brunch was most awkwardly amazing. If you’ve read other books by TJ Klune, you know there is no better writer of awkwardly fucked up and hilarious family situations than him. No one, don’t even try.
I can’t give enough snortles and love to Sandy’s meltdowns. They are epic and insane and the ‘logic’ stream they follow amuses me greatly. Plus, they are cathartic to Sandy so we all win. But, as much as I love them, I love the fierce protective streak that Sandy has, he usually channels Helena at that point, but that is one trait that Sandy and Helena have in common. We saw it a lot between Paul and Sandy in Tell Me It’s Real, but I got an even stronger sense of it in The Queen. Sandy will cut a bitch if they mess with his family. As much as Sandy may have had an irritatingly incessant boner for Darren even with the lingering hate, as the story progressed, and they two of them worked together to save Jack It, that protective bubble expanded to include Darren and it was just damned sweet. That was when I totally bought into Sandy’s true feels for Darren. Lust for a hot homo jock king is one thing, wanting to protect him is another level all-together.
The plan of deception and shenanigans that Sandy and Darren have to save Jack It gets more involved and convoluted as the story progresses. Just like no one can write and awkward family gathering like TJ Klune, no one can write shenanigans like he can either. Every progression of the story added to the what-the-fuckery and it was hilarious to read. As fun as the story arc itself is to read, it’s the conversations and the rambling inner monologues that are the gold here. BUT, there was more than just the fun, there were serious feels that this author is so good at sneaking in on us readers. He really got me good a couple of times in this one. Good on you TJ Klune, you had me snickering, snorting in a most unladylike manner, swooning and heart rendered all within a page or two.
It was an amazingly fun ride and I was ready to read again right after I finished. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the audio version to come out to relive ALL the moments again.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
I let this book make me its bitch and I loved every minute of it.
You have to read Tell Me It’s Real to appreciate the sequel, no doubt. Sandy/Helena is too big for one book and knowing his backstory through Tell Me It’s Real makes him that much more amazing. Helena is all the things that Sandy is not but wants to be. Helena is bold and fearless where Sandy is shy and sweet. And, thank sweet baby jeebus, he has that special brand of manic that makes me love this authors characters. But, Sandy is more than Helena and to get the full scope of his character, you need both books. I loved reading about Paul, Vincent and Paul’s family again, I missed them. And, Charlie. Oh Charlie, I’m so glad I got more of his story. The Most Awkward Brunch was most awkwardly amazing. If you’ve read other books by TJ Klune, you know there is no better writer of awkwardly fucked up and hilarious family situations than him. No one, don’t even try.
I can’t give enough snortles and love to Sandy’s meltdowns. They are epic and insane and the ‘logic’ stream they follow amuses me greatly. Plus, they are cathartic to Sandy so we all win. But, as much as I love them, I love the fierce protective streak that Sandy has, he usually channels Helena at that point, but that is one trait that Sandy and Helena have in common. We saw it a lot between Paul and Sandy in Tell Me It’s Real, but I got an even stronger sense of it in The Queen. Sandy will cut a bitch if they mess with his family. As much as Sandy may have had an irritatingly incessant boner for Darren even with the lingering hate, as the story progressed, and they two of them worked together to save Jack It, that protective bubble expanded to include Darren and it was just damned sweet. That was when I totally bought into Sandy’s true feels for Darren. Lust for a hot homo jock king is one thing, wanting to protect him is another level all-together.
The plan of deception and shenanigans that Sandy and Darren have to save Jack It gets more involved and convoluted as the story progresses. Just like no one can write and awkward family gathering like TJ Klune, no one can write shenanigans like he can either. Every progression of the story added to the what-the-fuckery and it was hilarious to read. As fun as the story arc itself is to read, it’s the conversations and the rambling inner monologues that are the gold here. BUT, there was more than just the fun, there were serious feels that this author is so good at sneaking in on us readers. He really got me good a couple of times in this one. Good on you TJ Klune, you had me snickering, snorting in a most unladylike manner, swooning and heart rendered all within a page or two.
It was an amazingly fun ride and I was ready to read again right after I finished. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the audio version to come out to relive ALL the moments again.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
April 9, 2022
❝you don’t want just part of me, you want all of me. how is it possible to get a boner from words?❞
i just wanna say, i know and i'm disappointed in myself 🥲
March 1, 2016
4.5 stars
This was another funny, over the top story with a lot of heart under all the madness. I liked it even better than the first book. The whole cast of characters we were introduced to in Tell Me It's Real is back, along with Corey/Kori (who was introduced in The Art of Breathing and looks to be the subject of the next book!), Santiago (the waiter from hell) and a cast of homo jocks, most notably Brian (he needs a story too!), Biff, Chet and Xerxes. Even Gustavo Tiberius pops up on the pages.
This book has all of TJ Klune's signature wit and snark, and the one thing I demand from his books, an extremely awkward sit down meal. This book also had one of the sexiest, most intimate, non-sex scenes I have read in a while. Sandy/Helena is a force to be reckoned with and Darren is a big sweetheart. The enemies to lovers story was a slow burn that provided plenty of sexual tension. There was a plot of epic Scooby Doo proportions, but really who cares when you've got drag queens, an evil mayor, really bad dirty talk, a Homo Jock Drag Bachelor Auction, neurotic best friends, ludicrous disguises, and a homo jock king who saying shit that makes you swoon (I would quote them here but don't want to ruin it for anyone).
There were one or two parts of the book where I felt like things were repeated, but it then quickly moved on to some insane group texting or incestuous sex dream that threw me right back into the story. If you love TJ's over the top stories and want to laugh until you cry you're probably already reading the book so I don't need to tell you to just do it.
Fun fact I didn't remember when I read the first book ~ I was watching Friends re-runs with my daughter last week The One with Chandler's Father (played by the fabulous Kathleen Turner) ~ his drag name ~ Helena Handbasket. My daughter didn't think it was as funny as I did. ;)
This was another funny, over the top story with a lot of heart under all the madness. I liked it even better than the first book. The whole cast of characters we were introduced to in Tell Me It's Real is back, along with Corey/Kori (who was introduced in The Art of Breathing and looks to be the subject of the next book!), Santiago (the waiter from hell) and a cast of homo jocks, most notably Brian (he needs a story too!), Biff, Chet and Xerxes. Even Gustavo Tiberius pops up on the pages.
This book has all of TJ Klune's signature wit and snark, and the one thing I demand from his books, an extremely awkward sit down meal. This book also had one of the sexiest, most intimate, non-sex scenes I have read in a while. Sandy/Helena is a force to be reckoned with and Darren is a big sweetheart. The enemies to lovers story was a slow burn that provided plenty of sexual tension. There was a plot of epic Scooby Doo proportions, but really who cares when you've got drag queens, an evil mayor, really bad dirty talk, a Homo Jock Drag Bachelor Auction, neurotic best friends, ludicrous disguises, and a homo jock king who saying shit that makes you swoon (I would quote them here but don't want to ruin it for anyone).
There were one or two parts of the book where I felt like things were repeated, but it then quickly moved on to some insane group texting or incestuous sex dream that threw me right back into the story. If you love TJ's over the top stories and want to laugh until you cry you're probably already reading the book so I don't need to tell you to just do it.
Fun fact I didn't remember when I read the first book ~ I was watching Friends re-runs with my daughter last week The One with Chandler's Father (played by the fabulous Kathleen Turner) ~ his drag name ~ Helena Handbasket. My daughter didn't think it was as funny as I did. ;)
August 16, 2017
That. Was. FABULOUS!!!
Seriously. I could listen to this all day, every day, over and over again and not tire of it.
February 29, 2016
Thoughts after reading:
This was absolutely fabulous. Everything I had hoped for, and more. When I wasn't cackling like a hyena, I was dying from the awwww. Perfect follow-up to TMIR.
Put this on your TBRs RTFN!
Review:
First off, that cover, OMG. How perfect is that cover showcasing the dual nature of Sanford Stewart and Helena Handbasket.
Where Sandy is quiet and shy, Helena is fierce and in your face. Where Sandy wants to be loved for who he is, including the part of him that is Helena, The Queen doesn't need a man. Or so she says.
In this follow-up to Tell Me It's Real, told entirely from Sandy's/Helena's POV, there were moments when I was cackling like a mad hyena, prompting odd looks from my long-suffering husband, and moments when I wanted to hug Sandy and tell him that everything would be okay. That it didn't matter if Darren was only Daniel Day-Lewising him with the fake dating plan they cooked up to save the club in which Helena performs.
See, Sandy and Darren have a bit of a history. There's some hinting at it in TMIR, though we don't find out just what that history is until we get to about, oh, the middle of this book. It's then that we finally understand why Sandy (and Helena, too) hates Darren so much. And we also get some insight into why Darren is so apparently mean to Sandy too. I say apparently because... well, you read this and find out.
But as the old sayings go, there is a fine line between love and hate, and the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. And neither one of them, neither Sandy nor Darren, are really indifferent to each other.
The plot is basically that Darren's father, the illustrious jerk-face mayor, is trying to get Jack It to close down by having a hand in refusing to renew the contract for the club. Sandy is drawn into a scheme to convince Darren to put in a good word with Daddy Dearest to stop that from happening, a scheme that depends on Sandy pretending to be in love with Darren, to save the bar. And save crack-babies in the process.
Of course, as with all schemes, nothing goes as planned, and while Sandy and Darren are busy despising each other (or pretending to) while pretending to date, they are also spending a lot of time together, and maybe hate isn't quite the feeling they have for each other. But feelings must be hidden at all cost, so it takes quite some time (the length of this lengthy book) for them both to pull their heads out of their asses.
Of course, the snark and humor in this book are deliciously OTT, as I expected them to be (scenes of morning-after breakfast, spying on Darren, gay bachelor auctions, and plenty of on-page moments with Paul and Vince), and this book is a rollercoaster of OMG, dying of laughter and Huh, didn't see that coming.
Nana and Paul's parents were as fabulous as ever, and even Johnny Depp, the parrot who hates Paul, but preens for Vince, also gets some screen time.
I'm still giggling just thinking of the family brunch (and BACON!). Tj's back in full force in this book. Where How To Be A Normal Person was more introspective and quiet, The Queen and The Homo Jock King is full of blurt-it-out rambling, what-the-hell-just-happened goodness, chockful of fantastic supporting characters, and so many hilarious one-liners!
Helena's signature evil glares and death-threats, pushy waiters who are in desperate need of evil glares to back off, Vince not getting the sarcasm and pouting, Paul being the very best friend a Queen could have, bacon and Brian (you'll need to read this book to get this), Izaac the bartender's nipples, Charlie's threats of spanking Sandy, the parrot throwing homophobia at Paul only to cat-whistle at Vince not a second later, Nana's bluntness, Paul's parent's obsessions with their son possibly being a pony, Sandy being jealous, Sandy being oblivious, Sandy being Helena - I could go on and on.
I could, but then I would be spoiling things, and you should really experience this book for yourself. I will say that Tj probably wrote the hottest sex scene of any books he's written, and while it may come only once in this book, it is worth the wait. Years and years of foreplay have a way of creating one explosive resolution to that UST. Hot damn!
Of course, this isn't all just humor and laughs, oh no. There are some really sweet moments too, and we get some history on Sandy and Helena, and how they came to be the people they are today. It's important that you don't look at this as simply a comedy of errors and wrong assumptions, but that you also understand who Sandy is, what made him create Helena, the pain and loss he's seen, and why he reacts the way he did when Darren did that thing. And that is the magic that is Tj Klune, you see, how he is able to write these characters. There are scenes that seem OTT but that have a purpose, and then make you go, to quote Darren, "Wait... what?". There are moments that make you go OMG and moments that make you go awwww. There are moments that are so full of emotions that I had maybe, possibly, quite certainly, a few tears in my eyes.
Sandy is a special character, and so is Darren. Both have a vulnerability they are loathe to show to the world. Sandy invented Helena to hide behind, to see him through the tough moments. And Darren hides behind the Jock King persona, too afraid to let the one he loves in when it mattered and clueless how to go back to fix the thing he broke.
And that is Tj's gift. He creates complex characters, with feelings and hidden depths that aren't apparent at first, but are slowly revealed amidst the hilarity and snark and sarcasm.
Seriously, read this. If you liked TMIR, this is definitely a book you don't want to miss. And yes, it was worth the wait. (Three years, Tj, what the hell? Okay, kidding. Sort of.)
Now, please write me another for Corey/Kori, okay? They deserve their own book, dontcha think?
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
This was absolutely fabulous. Everything I had hoped for, and more. When I wasn't cackling like a hyena, I was dying from the awwww. Perfect follow-up to TMIR.
Put this on your TBRs RTFN!
Review:
First off, that cover, OMG. How perfect is that cover showcasing the dual nature of Sanford Stewart and Helena Handbasket.
Where Sandy is quiet and shy, Helena is fierce and in your face. Where Sandy wants to be loved for who he is, including the part of him that is Helena, The Queen doesn't need a man. Or so she says.
In this follow-up to Tell Me It's Real, told entirely from Sandy's/Helena's POV, there were moments when I was cackling like a mad hyena, prompting odd looks from my long-suffering husband, and moments when I wanted to hug Sandy and tell him that everything would be okay. That it didn't matter if Darren was only Daniel Day-Lewising him with the fake dating plan they cooked up to save the club in which Helena performs.
See, Sandy and Darren have a bit of a history. There's some hinting at it in TMIR, though we don't find out just what that history is until we get to about, oh, the middle of this book. It's then that we finally understand why Sandy (and Helena, too) hates Darren so much. And we also get some insight into why Darren is so apparently mean to Sandy too. I say apparently because... well, you read this and find out.
But as the old sayings go, there is a fine line between love and hate, and the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. And neither one of them, neither Sandy nor Darren, are really indifferent to each other.
The plot is basically that Darren's father, the illustrious jerk-face mayor, is trying to get Jack It to close down by having a hand in refusing to renew the contract for the club. Sandy is drawn into a scheme to convince Darren to put in a good word with Daddy Dearest to stop that from happening, a scheme that depends on Sandy pretending to be in love with Darren, to save the bar. And save crack-babies in the process.
Of course, as with all schemes, nothing goes as planned, and while Sandy and Darren are busy despising each other (or pretending to) while pretending to date, they are also spending a lot of time together, and maybe hate isn't quite the feeling they have for each other. But feelings must be hidden at all cost, so it takes quite some time (the length of this lengthy book) for them both to pull their heads out of their asses.
Of course, the snark and humor in this book are deliciously OTT, as I expected them to be (scenes of morning-after breakfast, spying on Darren, gay bachelor auctions, and plenty of on-page moments with Paul and Vince), and this book is a rollercoaster of OMG, dying of laughter and Huh, didn't see that coming.
Nana and Paul's parents were as fabulous as ever, and even Johnny Depp, the parrot who hates Paul, but preens for Vince, also gets some screen time.
I'm still giggling just thinking of the family brunch (and BACON!). Tj's back in full force in this book. Where How To Be A Normal Person was more introspective and quiet, The Queen and The Homo Jock King is full of blurt-it-out rambling, what-the-hell-just-happened goodness, chockful of fantastic supporting characters, and so many hilarious one-liners!
Helena's signature evil glares and death-threats, pushy waiters who are in desperate need of evil glares to back off, Vince not getting the sarcasm and pouting, Paul being the very best friend a Queen could have, bacon and Brian (you'll need to read this book to get this), Izaac the bartender's nipples, Charlie's threats of spanking Sandy, the parrot throwing homophobia at Paul only to cat-whistle at Vince not a second later, Nana's bluntness, Paul's parent's obsessions with their son possibly being a pony, Sandy being jealous, Sandy being oblivious, Sandy being Helena - I could go on and on.
I could, but then I would be spoiling things, and you should really experience this book for yourself. I will say that Tj probably wrote the hottest sex scene of any books he's written, and while it may come only once in this book, it is worth the wait. Years and years of foreplay have a way of creating one explosive resolution to that UST. Hot damn!
Of course, this isn't all just humor and laughs, oh no. There are some really sweet moments too, and we get some history on Sandy and Helena, and how they came to be the people they are today. It's important that you don't look at this as simply a comedy of errors and wrong assumptions, but that you also understand who Sandy is, what made him create Helena, the pain and loss he's seen, and why he reacts the way he did when Darren did that thing. And that is the magic that is Tj Klune, you see, how he is able to write these characters. There are scenes that seem OTT but that have a purpose, and then make you go, to quote Darren, "Wait... what?". There are moments that make you go OMG and moments that make you go awwww. There are moments that are so full of emotions that I had maybe, possibly, quite certainly, a few tears in my eyes.
Sandy is a special character, and so is Darren. Both have a vulnerability they are loathe to show to the world. Sandy invented Helena to hide behind, to see him through the tough moments. And Darren hides behind the Jock King persona, too afraid to let the one he loves in when it mattered and clueless how to go back to fix the thing he broke.
And that is Tj's gift. He creates complex characters, with feelings and hidden depths that aren't apparent at first, but are slowly revealed amidst the hilarity and snark and sarcasm.
Seriously, read this. If you liked TMIR, this is definitely a book you don't want to miss. And yes, it was worth the wait. (Three years, Tj, what the hell? Okay, kidding. Sort of.)
Now, please write me another for Corey/Kori, okay? They deserve their own book, dontcha think?
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
May 21, 2018
4,5 stars
I really loved this one. It was extremely funny and also unexpectedly sweet.
Like I mentioned before, this author makes me laugh like no other. I can't remember when I laughed out loud so much, while reading a book. His characters are hilarious and super crazy, but you love them so much. I wish I had this kind of friends in real life. Oh how much we would laugh!
If you've read the first book (and if you haven't, what are you waiting for?! GO check it out NOW) you need to read Sandy's story too. It's extremely funny and well written and you'll have new wrinkles from the laughs.
I think I will reread this series whenever I feel down, because I know it will make me roll on the floor with laughter!
I really loved this one. It was extremely funny and also unexpectedly sweet.
Like I mentioned before, this author makes me laugh like no other. I can't remember when I laughed out loud so much, while reading a book. His characters are hilarious and super crazy, but you love them so much. I wish I had this kind of friends in real life. Oh how much we would laugh!
If you've read the first book (and if you haven't, what are you waiting for?! GO check it out NOW) you need to read Sandy's story too. It's extremely funny and well written and you'll have new wrinkles from the laughs.
I think I will reread this series whenever I feel down, because I know it will make me roll on the floor with laughter!
February 10, 2018
I just knew it would be as spectacular as I'd hoped. Obviously no review is necessary to convince anyone to read (or listen to) this book. Michael Lesley was so incredible... as I always say, I think he makes TJ even better and TJ does the same for him ;) It's a match made in heaven.
August 1, 2016
Loved it!!
December 20, 2019
Tj Klune's style of humor isn't for everyone, but he just fucking works for me.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
March 18, 2022
2022 audio
LOVE THIS WITH A PASSION. IT IS GLORIOUS!!! ALL. THE. STARS. ALL. OF. THEM.
2020 audio
How did I forget the Orange Cheetos reference? Seriously, I completely forgot that was in the ending. Like, how? Anyway, still in love with this series. 💜 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2018 audio
OMG this was hilarious, larious, larious, larious, larious, larious, larious. I have no words, words, words, words, words. TJ Klune is a genius, genius, genius, genius.
I listened to the audio and Michael Lesley did such a fabulous job!! The outtakes of this recording have got to be off the chart. :D
For those who haven't read this yet, get the audio. You won't regret it. If you are looking for a more substantive review, find someone else's. Because the above is about all I am capable of because it was AWESOME! Mind Blown!
All the stars! Now I need to buy the audio of the Wedding! Squee!!
LOVE THIS WITH A PASSION. IT IS GLORIOUS!!! ALL. THE. STARS. ALL. OF. THEM.
2020 audio
How did I forget the Orange Cheetos reference? Seriously, I completely forgot that was in the ending. Like, how? Anyway, still in love with this series. 💜 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
2018 audio
OMG this was hilarious, larious, larious, larious, larious, larious, larious. I have no words, words, words, words, words. TJ Klune is a genius, genius, genius, genius.
I listened to the audio and Michael Lesley did such a fabulous job!! The outtakes of this recording have got to be off the chart. :D
For those who haven't read this yet, get the audio. You won't regret it. If you are looking for a more substantive review, find someone else's. Because the above is about all I am capable of because it was AWESOME! Mind Blown!
All the stars! Now I need to buy the audio of the Wedding! Squee!!
March 9, 2020
This was a good and entertaining read. I highly enjoyed the “fake boyfriend” trope and the banter between the two MCs.
Nonetheless, this book was just waaaay to long and would have worked better for me with at least 100 pages less.
Nonetheless, this book was just waaaay to long and would have worked better for me with at least 100 pages less.
March 5, 2016
4.5 Stars
Wow, so what to say about The Queen & the Homo Jock King that hasn't been said! I doubt you'll find much new here, but I can try to Meryl Streep my way through this!!
The Queen & the Homo Jock King is damn funny. No lie -- I started reading this book while walking on my treadmill and could barely get through the Prologue without falling off the damn thing, I was laughing so hard. But did I learn from this? Hell, no. I continued to use my treadmill while reading this book and only by the grace of .. who am I kidding, there was absolutely NO grace involved ... but lots of luck and hitting the stop button, when I was laughing so hard I litterally could not walk at the same time, kept me out of the ER.
Sandy is very high maintenance and is also a master of denial. For years, he has hated Darren, but never told anyone why. The truth is, though, Sandy felt hurt and channelled that hurt into striking out at the Homo Jock King and keeping a wall erected between them. All the while, though, Sandy still wanted him. Everyone except Sandy could see that clear as day!
Everyone can also see how Darren feels about Sandy, except, of course, Sandy. Darren has come to each and every one of Helena's shows. Always there, always watching (in a mostly not creepy way) and pining.
These two, though, are bull headed. Rather than admit their feelings, they circle each other, while tossing barbs meant to hurt and mask.
The story of them getting together is a farce worthy of Shakespeare.
One thing I would have liked more of, though, is Darren. There wasn't enough Darren in The Queen & the Homo Jock King.
Wow, so what to say about The Queen & the Homo Jock King that hasn't been said! I doubt you'll find much new here, but I can try to Meryl Streep my way through this!!
The Queen & the Homo Jock King is damn funny. No lie -- I started reading this book while walking on my treadmill and could barely get through the Prologue without falling off the damn thing, I was laughing so hard. But did I learn from this? Hell, no. I continued to use my treadmill while reading this book and only by the grace of .. who am I kidding, there was absolutely NO grace involved ... but lots of luck and hitting the stop button, when I was laughing so hard I litterally could not walk at the same time, kept me out of the ER.
Sandy is very high maintenance and is also a master of denial. For years, he has hated Darren, but never told anyone why. The truth is, though, Sandy felt hurt and channelled that hurt into striking out at the Homo Jock King and keeping a wall erected between them. All the while, though, Sandy still wanted him. Everyone except Sandy could see that clear as day!
Everyone can also see how Darren feels about Sandy, except, of course, Sandy. Darren has come to each and every one of Helena's shows. Always there, always watching (in a mostly not creepy way) and pining.
These two, though, are bull headed. Rather than admit their feelings, they circle each other, while tossing barbs meant to hurt and mask.
The story of them getting together is a farce worthy of Shakespeare.
One thing I would have liked more of, though, is Darren. There wasn't enough Darren in The Queen & the Homo Jock King.
September 1, 2016
The audio is PERFECTION!!!!! It makes the book 1 billion times better, and it was a 5 stars read before!
----------------------------
MAGNIFICENT!!!
But what else could you expect from TJ Klune?
Meet our protagonists:
Sandy aka Helena Handbasket aka The Queen
which I can only imagine as Shontelle Sparkles, who I stalk on Instagram and I love her!! (thank you Momo for introducing her to me)
and Darren Mayne aka Homo Jock King
who pretend to hate each other's guts (but are secretly love) and enter a in a fake-boyfriends scheme to save the beloved gay bar Jack it and the crack babies (don't ask:P). Their shenanigans to reach this goal are HILARIOUS, RIDICULOUS (in the most wonderful and crazy way imaginable) soAWESOME I almost peed my pants laughing. They are joined of course by our beloved Paul and Vince (who I missed and looooved to see again, they are adorable together), Corey/Kori (who we met in The art of breathing and who is fabulous and I suspect is the next protagonist in the Tell me it's real world), Charlie (leather daddy) and Paul's siblings!
The shenanigans reach new heights and you can't possibly imagine what comes out of their mounts and what they're up to. There's really no point in trying to explain. Just read the book! READ IT!
I loved the chemistry between Sandy and Darren; they are perfect together. And their one sex scene towards the end is OFF THE CHARTS HOT!
This book is an other masterpiece by our beloved TJ Klune. I don't know how he does it!
I leave you with a couple of more pictures of Shontelle who I believe is the perfect Helena Handbasket!
----------------------------
MAGNIFICENT!!!
But what else could you expect from TJ Klune?
Meet our protagonists:
Sandy aka Helena Handbasket aka The Queen
which I can only imagine as Shontelle Sparkles, who I stalk on Instagram and I love her!! (thank you Momo for introducing her to me)
and Darren Mayne aka Homo Jock King
who pretend to hate each other's guts (but are secretly love) and enter a in a fake-boyfriends scheme to save the beloved gay bar Jack it and the crack babies (don't ask:P). Their shenanigans to reach this goal are HILARIOUS, RIDICULOUS (in the most wonderful and crazy way imaginable) soAWESOME I almost peed my pants laughing. They are joined of course by our beloved Paul and Vince (who I missed and looooved to see again, they are adorable together), Corey/Kori (who we met in The art of breathing and who is fabulous and I suspect is the next protagonist in the Tell me it's real world), Charlie (leather daddy) and Paul's siblings!
The shenanigans reach new heights and you can't possibly imagine what comes out of their mounts and what they're up to. There's really no point in trying to explain. Just read the book! READ IT!
I loved the chemistry between Sandy and Darren; they are perfect together. And their one sex scene towards the end is OFF THE CHARTS HOT!
This book is an other masterpiece by our beloved TJ Klune. I don't know how he does it!
I leave you with a couple of more pictures of Shontelle who I believe is the perfect Helena Handbasket!
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