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Blind Faith #3
Blindside: Mark's Story
Listening Length: 6 hours and 56 minutes.
Mark Gattison has avoided love and commitment his entire adult life. Not interested in more than a one night stand or a brief encounter in a bathroom stall, he is the epitome of a good time.
Will Parkinson is the guy who defends him, the guy who puts up with him, the guy Mark calls his best friend.
When Will becomes unsettled and a little distant, Mark takes it upon himself to find Will a boyfriend. Not familiar with the concept himself, Mark thinks Will needs someone to make him happy.
What Mark doesn't know, is that he's about to get blindsided. He's about to get knocked off his feet by the one thing that's been right in front of him the entire time.
Mark Gattison has avoided love and commitment his entire adult life. Not interested in more than a one night stand or a brief encounter in a bathroom stall, he is the epitome of a good time.
Will Parkinson is the guy who defends him, the guy who puts up with him, the guy Mark calls his best friend.
When Will becomes unsettled and a little distant, Mark takes it upon himself to find Will a boyfriend. Not familiar with the concept himself, Mark thinks Will needs someone to make him happy.
What Mark doesn't know, is that he's about to get blindsided. He's about to get knocked off his feet by the one thing that's been right in front of him the entire time.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 15, 2013
67 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,286 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
June 3, 2013
4.5 stars
I’ll start by saying that you can read Blindside as a stand-alone.
However, if you do, you might mistake Mark Gattison as an arrogant, self-absorbed, overgrown fratboy douchebag. And that would be a shame, because you would not be able to appreciate how awesome-sauce he actually is!
Now, if you’ve read “Blind Faith” and “Through These Eyes” first, then you know that Mark is a gem. He’s loyal and kind and funny. He brings levity to even the most intense situations. And he can make anyone laugh. And knowing Mark in this way makes the Mark in Blindside charming and hysterical.
I could not have been happier when I heard that NR Walker was going to make book 3 of the series about Mark. Mark, self-proclaimed commitmentphobe, was the most deserving of someone to love him and of someone to love. Enter Will…coworker, best friend, and partner in crime. I was totally captivated by the fantastic chemistry between Mark & Will. Their ease with each other, their complete knowledge and understanding of one another, their banter, their commitment…I DRANK it up (and am, quite frankly, a little envious! I want something like that!) Will as the sidekick-turned-object-of-affection was sweet and steady, if not a tiny bit on the bland side (sorry Will!). But he’s perfect for Mark and the characters balanced each other out well.
And though the story didn’t come without some trials (this is MARK after all…he doesn’t DO relationships!), watching him trying to figure it out was…well painful and sweet at the same time. Poor poor Mark…got pummeled over the head by love!
The cast of characters is rounded out by Carter & Isaac (from the first 2 books) as well as Mark’s looney-but-lovely mother who I adore!
All in all, the book was funny and sweet (though light on the smut scale) and I highly recommend it, especially for those who are fans of the series! And if you’re someone who gets suckered into a book about a really, really great couple, you’ll find that in Blindside.
Full review available at: http://sidlove.wordpress.com/2013/06/...
January 19, 2020
The Story
Mark and Will are best friends. Will is secretly in love with Mark, and Mark is in love with him too but he is in denial and can’t see what’s in front of his nose.
The conflict
The conflict is based on non-communication and denial. Mark is not realizing that he is already in love with Will. It could work for the first 20% but not for the whole story.
Erotica
This series is seriously lacking steam. What a shame!
For more see Shelby's review.
There were some smile-worthy moments though:
Mark and Will are best friends. Will is secretly in love with Mark, and Mark is in love with him too but he is in denial and can’t see what’s in front of his nose.
The conflict
The conflict is based on non-communication and denial. Mark is not realizing that he is already in love with Will. It could work for the first 20% but not for the whole story.
Erotica
This series is seriously lacking steam. What a shame!
For more see Shelby's review.
There were some smile-worthy moments though:
“You have no shame.”
“None. It was omitted from my DNA, along with my scruples and bad hair days. I simply don’t have them.”
“Ugh, I feel awful. I think I’m getting sick.”
Isaac squeezed my hand. “It’s called a broken heart, Mark.”
“It’s horrible,” I said softly.
“It’s the very worst.”
“Then why do we do it?” I asked. “Why do we bother with love if it feels like this?”
“Because as bad as you feel right now, love is a million times better.”
I pulled the blanket over my head again. “That’s bullshit.”
It turns out I was one of those types of people most other miserable single people hated. Like one of those in-love people who I used to make fun of. Yep, one of those. I was all over Will, I had to touch him, kiss him, all the time. Even looking at him would make me smile.
My past-me really would’ve hated present-me.
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July 5, 2024
Blindside is book three in the Blind Faith series by N.R. Walker. This is Mark, Carter’s best friend, who we’ve gotten to know some in the previous two books. He’s silly, always a flirt and keeps everyone on their toes.
Mark Gattison is happy for his friend, Carter, since he moved away and found love. But he misses him. A year ago, he met Will at work and they hit it off and have become so close. They spend all their time together. Mark is not at all a relationship kind of guy. He’s a one night only type of guy. While Will wants the whole love story. Will has seemed out of sorts lately and with Carter not there, he wants to do whatever it takes to make Will happy so he won’t leave too. So he decides it’s his job as his closest friend, to find him a boyfriend.
The entire book is from Mark’s POV. And I was really looking forward to getting his story since he’s such a fun character. But in this book, his personality came off as more childish than anything. The further away Will pulled, the more desperate Mark became. He clearly really cares for Will. When he discovered something about a guy Will was dating, he went crazy trying to get to him to let him know. He really is a great guy with a big heart. He just drove me crazy with his failure to see what was really happening with Will.
With all the complaining I did in my reviews for the first two books about Isaac’s actions, in this book, it’s Isaac and Carter that finally made me swoon. The way they were together made my heart so happy and one particular time I even got all choked up. So that really saved the book for me. I’ve gotten to know these men so well by now and am emotionally invested! So now I’m on to the final novella, Twelfth of Never, to see what the future holds for these two couples.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Mark Gattison is happy for his friend, Carter, since he moved away and found love. But he misses him. A year ago, he met Will at work and they hit it off and have become so close. They spend all their time together. Mark is not at all a relationship kind of guy. He’s a one night only type of guy. While Will wants the whole love story. Will has seemed out of sorts lately and with Carter not there, he wants to do whatever it takes to make Will happy so he won’t leave too. So he decides it’s his job as his closest friend, to find him a boyfriend.
The entire book is from Mark’s POV. And I was really looking forward to getting his story since he’s such a fun character. But in this book, his personality came off as more childish than anything. The further away Will pulled, the more desperate Mark became. He clearly really cares for Will. When he discovered something about a guy Will was dating, he went crazy trying to get to him to let him know. He really is a great guy with a big heart. He just drove me crazy with his failure to see what was really happening with Will.
With all the complaining I did in my reviews for the first two books about Isaac’s actions, in this book, it’s Isaac and Carter that finally made me swoon. The way they were together made my heart so happy and one particular time I even got all choked up. So that really saved the book for me. I’ve gotten to know these men so well by now and am emotionally invested! So now I’m on to the final novella, Twelfth of Never, to see what the future holds for these two couples.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
July 28, 2019
I absolutely LOVED Mark and was really glad that he got his own story. He was a complete idiot, but you couldn't ask for someone with a better heart.
The fact that he honestly thought (being a no-strings-attached man whore) that his heart hurting over his growing feelings for Will were cardiomyopathy (severe myocardial disease leading to heart failure) was just sooooo very Mark it's not even funny.
And when he finally pulled his head out of his ass and gave in to those feelings, his lack of any hesitation or doubt was also sooooo very Mark, which I loved.
That both Carter and Isaac were so much loving support throughout the entire story was also great, along with finding out that Isaac had truly learned to stop being such a mean, sharp-tongued little man-cunt (at times).
The book was perfect for wrapping up a very good series. I highly recommend the series, but book 2 will make you want to junk punch Isaac. Repeatedly. And hard. : )
March 5, 2014
There is something about this series that I just love. It must be the total package because I devoured each book, and stayed up until 3am last night to finish this one.
Mark did not disappoint. He stayed true to form, which I loved, but unfortunately, that was the cause of all his troubles. You don't really blame Mark for not seeing at first that Will is the love of his life, because Mark has never been in love, never wanted to be in love, and didn't understand why anyone would want to go through the ups-and-downs of a committed relationship when in the end the odds were stacked against you.
His mother, who was funny as hell but had no maternal instincts, was not the best example or role model for Mark. She was hilarious though.
You feel for Will. You catch on pretty quickly that he feels more for Mark then just friendship. But he is not without fault himself. He knows Marks past, why he feels the way he does, and still leaves it all up to Mark to figure out on his own. Maybe he just needed to be a little more obvious? I don't know. I just know that where love is concerned, Mark was completely clueless and Will held all the clues. They were destined for heartache in that scenario and they get it.
The interaction between Mark and Will was amazing. They knew each other so well, were so into each other that most people assumed they were a couple. The clues were all lined up for Mark, but book-smart he may be, but love-smart he was not. It was painful to watch him push Will off onto other guys and then not understand why that hurt him so much. You want to shake him and knock some sense into him.
One of the best parts of this story was seeing Carter and Issac again. They have made leaps and bounds of improvements in their relationship, and Issac is completely redeemed in my eyes. I don't think I would ever tire of reading about these guys. They really do give love a good name.
And not only are they there for each other, but are the epitome of the best of friends when Mark (and by extension Will) needs them most. Those scenes were heartbreaking. I am not sure how Mark would have survived without Carter and Issac. My heart broke for him, and his honesty about what he had and lost just ripped my heart out. But his descriptions of his "illness" had me rolling in laughter at the same time. That was the real Mark and you loved him for all his faults.
The ending was amazingly poignant, and sexy, and romantic, and real. I am so in love with the Carter-Issac and Mark-Will love matches and highly recommend this series to everyone.
PS...The cover is perfect and exactly how I viewed Mark!
Mark did not disappoint. He stayed true to form, which I loved, but unfortunately, that was the cause of all his troubles. You don't really blame Mark for not seeing at first that Will is the love of his life, because Mark has never been in love, never wanted to be in love, and didn't understand why anyone would want to go through the ups-and-downs of a committed relationship when in the end the odds were stacked against you.
His mother, who was funny as hell but had no maternal instincts, was not the best example or role model for Mark. She was hilarious though.
You feel for Will. You catch on pretty quickly that he feels more for Mark then just friendship. But he is not without fault himself. He knows Marks past, why he feels the way he does, and still leaves it all up to Mark to figure out on his own. Maybe he just needed to be a little more obvious? I don't know. I just know that where love is concerned, Mark was completely clueless and Will held all the clues. They were destined for heartache in that scenario and they get it.
The interaction between Mark and Will was amazing. They knew each other so well, were so into each other that most people assumed they were a couple. The clues were all lined up for Mark, but book-smart he may be, but love-smart he was not. It was painful to watch him push Will off onto other guys and then not understand why that hurt him so much. You want to shake him and knock some sense into him.
One of the best parts of this story was seeing Carter and Issac again. They have made leaps and bounds of improvements in their relationship, and Issac is completely redeemed in my eyes. I don't think I would ever tire of reading about these guys. They really do give love a good name.
And not only are they there for each other, but are the epitome of the best of friends when Mark (and by extension Will) needs them most. Those scenes were heartbreaking. I am not sure how Mark would have survived without Carter and Issac. My heart broke for him, and his honesty about what he had and lost just ripped my heart out. But his descriptions of his "illness" had me rolling in laughter at the same time. That was the real Mark and you loved him for all his faults.
The ending was amazingly poignant, and sexy, and romantic, and real. I am so in love with the Carter-Issac and Mark-Will love matches and highly recommend this series to everyone.
PS...The cover is perfect and exactly how I viewed Mark!
May 29, 2013
You can take this review for what it's worth since I probably have more than just a little bit of bias.
I begged. I pleaded. I threatened to hold my breath until I turned blue (which is not a good color on me, by the way). When I met Mark in Blind Faith I fell for him. Cocky. Arrogant. Sweet. And an amazing best friend. I asked NR Walker to give Mark his own story. After much whining on my part she relented. However she also decided to make me responsible for it, and named Mark's love interest after me (which I was blown away by).
This is a great story. Mark has never known love. He's had TONS of sex, but never once in his life has he ever been bowled over by Cupid. When Will Parkinson walks into his life, nothing changes. Will becomes the best friend Mark ever had. They spend all their time together. They share secrets, but there is something missing there. That spark just doesn't exist.
Or does it?
Mark is about to find out when he realizes, maybe too late, that he's about to lose it all. Will Mark wake up with the help of Carter and Isaac (as well as Mark's incredibly hilarious mother), or will he miss his chance once and for all?
I begged. I pleaded. I threatened to hold my breath until I turned blue (which is not a good color on me, by the way). When I met Mark in Blind Faith I fell for him. Cocky. Arrogant. Sweet. And an amazing best friend. I asked NR Walker to give Mark his own story. After much whining on my part she relented. However she also decided to make me responsible for it, and named Mark's love interest after me (which I was blown away by).
This is a great story. Mark has never known love. He's had TONS of sex, but never once in his life has he ever been bowled over by Cupid. When Will Parkinson walks into his life, nothing changes. Will becomes the best friend Mark ever had. They spend all their time together. They share secrets, but there is something missing there. That spark just doesn't exist.
Or does it?
Mark is about to find out when he realizes, maybe too late, that he's about to lose it all. Will Mark wake up with the help of Carter and Isaac (as well as Mark's incredibly hilarious mother), or will he miss his chance once and for all?
January 29, 2015
4.5 stars for the series
I did want to shake Mark a few times for good measure. Dear god, man, look and SEE, and pull yourself together. There is an irony here; Isaac sees what Mark cannot, even though Isaac is blind.
I was so happy to see Mark and Isaac settled and at peace and happy.
Will was a great addition, very patient with Mark, despite Mark's general clulessness.
And the epilogue here brought the series together in the best way. I read it several times and will reread this series; once just isn't enough.
I did want to shake Mark a few times for good measure. Dear god, man, look and SEE, and pull yourself together. There is an irony here; Isaac sees what Mark cannot, even though Isaac is blind.
I was so happy to see Mark and Isaac settled and at peace and happy.
Will was a great addition, very patient with Mark, despite Mark's general clulessness.
And the epilogue here brought the series together in the best way. I read it several times and will reread this series; once just isn't enough.
July 15, 2017
3 Stars
I appreciate the fact that we got to read an entire book about the mischievous, yet lovable, Mark – especially considering what a great secondary character he made in the first two books – but I’m left a little disappointed that the story didn’t unfold quite the way I would have liked. That’s on me, of course. My personal tastes affected my enjoyment, but there isn’t much I can do about that.
What I liked:
- There is a strong friends-to-lovers theme (yay!).
- The secondary characters were great (lots of Carter and Isaac action).
- The writing was great (I wouldn’t expect anything less from N.R. Walker).
- There was no pesky insta-love, instead it was a slow-burn with a well-earned romantic outcome.
What I didn’t like so much:
- The well-earned slow-burn was really, really long .
- There were multiple other love interests scattered throughout the story.
- Mark’s obliviousness surrounding his feelings for Will went beyond cute and adorable and became seriously annoying at times.
Ultimately, there were some good feels here and some seriously sweet, often humorous moments; I’m glad Mark got his happily ever after.
I appreciate the fact that we got to read an entire book about the mischievous, yet lovable, Mark – especially considering what a great secondary character he made in the first two books – but I’m left a little disappointed that the story didn’t unfold quite the way I would have liked. That’s on me, of course. My personal tastes affected my enjoyment, but there isn’t much I can do about that.
What I liked:
- There is a strong friends-to-lovers theme (yay!).
- The secondary characters were great (lots of Carter and Isaac action).
- The writing was great (I wouldn’t expect anything less from N.R. Walker).
- There was no pesky insta-love, instead it was a slow-burn with a well-earned romantic outcome.
What I didn’t like so much:
- The well-earned slow-burn was really, really long .
- There were multiple other love interests scattered throughout the story.
- Mark’s obliviousness surrounding his feelings for Will went beyond cute and adorable and became seriously annoying at times.
Ultimately, there were some good feels here and some seriously sweet, often humorous moments; I’m glad Mark got his happily ever after.
April 3, 2020
Yay!! Best book of the series...not that I'm biased or anything, just a huge Mark Gattison fan, and couldn't wait for him to get his Happy Ever After.
5 stars and bring on those dancing girls
Shortie review, totally loved it, couldn't stop reading it. Many thanks Nic for writing it, and hugs to you Will Parkinson for your begging, pleading and whining...what a fabulous book, I adored it!!
October 18, 2025
This was my favourite book in the series.
I was glad to see that Carter and Isaac are working through their issues and things are getting better - I could never, but they seemed to be making it work.
Mark was as blind as Isaac is when it came to Will and his feelings! I wanted to shake him 😂 His heartbreak was so emotional though and I cried so much! I've missed books where there's some real emotional turmoil, everything seems so sweet and smooth sailing in books recently, and yeah the third act break up can be annoying if it's in every single book, but now it's never in any and I'm getting a toothache from all the sweetness 😂 This book is how I like to have my emotions triggered!
I felt really bad for Will and kept wanting to give him a hug, but also I wanted to tell him that Mark was never going to get it unless he spelled it out in twenty foot neon flashing letters!! It was pretty unfair of him to put all of the blame on Mark because last I checked, people aren't actually mind readers, and Will was totally aware of Mark's emotional inexperience.
I really felt like Will and Mark were the stronger couple in the series, but I really liked the friendship they had with Isaac and Carter, and I was really happy with how the book ended.
I was glad to see that Carter and Isaac are working through their issues and things are getting better - I could never, but they seemed to be making it work.
Mark was as blind as Isaac is when it came to Will and his feelings! I wanted to shake him 😂 His heartbreak was so emotional though and I cried so much! I've missed books where there's some real emotional turmoil, everything seems so sweet and smooth sailing in books recently, and yeah the third act break up can be annoying if it's in every single book, but now it's never in any and I'm getting a toothache from all the sweetness 😂 This book is how I like to have my emotions triggered!
I felt really bad for Will and kept wanting to give him a hug, but also I wanted to tell him that Mark was never going to get it unless he spelled it out in twenty foot neon flashing letters!! It was pretty unfair of him to put all of the blame on Mark because last I checked, people aren't actually mind readers, and Will was totally aware of Mark's emotional inexperience.
I really felt like Will and Mark were the stronger couple in the series, but I really liked the friendship they had with Isaac and Carter, and I was really happy with how the book ended.
January 9, 2024
At first you might mistake Mark Gattison as an arrogant, self-absorbed, overgrown tease...but you would be mistaken, and you would have trouble appreciating how totally awesome he actually is. Mark can actually be described as a "gem in the rough". He’s loyal and kind and funny. He brings levity to even the most intense situations... and he can make anyone and everyone, laugh. Knowing Mark in this way makes this Mark...the Mark in this story, charming and hysterical. Mark, a self-proclaimed "commitmentphobe", was so deserving of someone to love him and in turn, of someone to love. Now we meet Will… a coworker, Mark's best friend, and his "partner in crime". The story was totally captivating by the chemistry between Mark & Will. Their ease with each other, their complete knowledge and understanding of one another, their light banter, and their absolute total commitment. Will, as Mark's sidekick-turned-"object-of-affection", was sweet and steady, even a tiny bit on the boring side...but the two guys balanced each other out perfectly. Though the story didn’t come without some trials, (remember this is Mark and he doesn’t do relationships!), watching him trying to figure it out was…well... painful and sweet at the same time. Poor clueless Mark…got pummeled over the head by love! The cast of characters is rounded out by Carter & Isaac (from the first 2 books) as well as Mark’s looney-but-lovely mother, who you can't help but love! Overall, the story was funny, sweet and fairly light on the "smut" scale, and Michael Pauley did a fantastic job on the narration. I would never ever have expected anything less from N.R. Walker.
September 2, 2014
I loved Mark in the first two books and this book was no different. I love his quirkiness and his ability to make me laugh. I also love his loyalty to his friends. His relationship with his mother is quite unique, but it seems to work for them and I quite enjoyed the scenes in which it was just the two of them.
I really loved the parts of this book including Carter and Isaac because we get to see how far they've come as a loving couple. Let me tell you, Isaac can sure give a damn good speech, and his heartfelt words at the wedding were wonderful.
I thought it was great the way it all played out and I'm very happy that Mark and Will got their happy ending. I would love to read another book about all four of these men!
I really loved the parts of this book including Carter and Isaac because we get to see how far they've come as a loving couple. Let me tell you, Isaac can sure give a damn good speech, and his heartfelt words at the wedding were wonderful.
I thought it was great the way it all played out and I'm very happy that Mark and Will got their happy ending. I would love to read another book about all four of these men!
April 2, 2023
This was so sweet and emotional and heartwarming. OMG I loved Mark and Will so much.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 1, 2016
I can hardly believe it myself, but I found an NR Walker book I didn't like! This one centered on a rather narcissistic, self centered man who didn't have a clue that is best friend was in love with him for almost 12 months. I didn't buy his cluelessness or his best friend's love. He just didn't have a whole lot of redeeming qualities. Plus, there were several misunderstandings that made me grit my teeth. I can handle a few, but this one had too many.
NR Walker is my Queen, but nobody's perfect and I'm quite certain the next book I read of hers will be a winner.
NR Walker is my Queen, but nobody's perfect and I'm quite certain the next book I read of hers will be a winner.
June 16, 2013
4.5 stars
Mark's story is frustrating and sweet. The man who knew it all when it came to helping Carter and Isaac get their act together is adorably clueless when it comes to his own life and what is right in front of his eyes.
Mark is in his sarcastically awesome element here and we get to see where he gets it from when we meet his gin drinking, straight talking mother. The chemistry and banter between Will and Mark is fantastic and we get a good dose of Carter and Isaac as well.
Another great installment in the Blind Faith series.
Mark's story is frustrating and sweet. The man who knew it all when it came to helping Carter and Isaac get their act together is adorably clueless when it comes to his own life and what is right in front of his eyes.
Mark is in his sarcastically awesome element here and we get to see where he gets it from when we meet his gin drinking, straight talking mother. The chemistry and banter between Will and Mark is fantastic and we get a good dose of Carter and Isaac as well.
Another great installment in the Blind Faith series.
July 25, 2013
There are lots of reasons why I adored this book but even if I hadn't, I think I would have given it 5 stars anyway, just for the cover. There is something that really appeals to me with this one and I think it might be one of my all time favourite covers. The smile lights up his whole face and conveys so much emotion! However, the story is good too!
We first met Mark in Blind Faith where he was the loyal and funny bi-sexual best friend of Carter. Carter moved away and is now in a very happy relationship with Isaac so Mark has a new best friend.
Will is a work colleague and Mark's constant companion and when Mark notices that Will is unhappy he tries to remedy the situation. Mark fears commitment himself but thinks a boyfriend is just what Will needs to make him happy and anchor him to the town.
What follows is a journey that is sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and sometimes painful. Mark is blind to what he has in Will and it is definitely one of those books where you wish you could just shake the character to open his eyes to what should be so obvious!
I loved the dialogue between Mark and Will. Their conversation was so natural flowing and filled with cute and amusing banter. They make a great couple and it is obvious to everyone except Mark!
The other characters in this book are also wonderful with Mark's mother a particular favourite...
"Why can't you date Will?"
"Mom, we've been through this."
"Or someone like him. There has to be a boy out there that's cute and nice...and hung."
"No, seriously. Why can't you whine at me about finding a nice girl, getting married, having the picket fence and two-point-four kids like all the normal mothers."
"Because I'm not a normal mother, and you're not a normal son."
It is nice to see Carter and Issac make an appearance. They offer support to Mark once he finally realises he is losing Will. One of the highlights of the book was Mark's physical manifestation of a broken heart. Shortly after follows my favourite scene (you know that scene in a book that makes it worthwhile reading the book just for that one moment?)
Wonderful characters, sweet story, lots of love and laughter and a fabulous happy ending!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
We first met Mark in Blind Faith where he was the loyal and funny bi-sexual best friend of Carter. Carter moved away and is now in a very happy relationship with Isaac so Mark has a new best friend.
Will is a work colleague and Mark's constant companion and when Mark notices that Will is unhappy he tries to remedy the situation. Mark fears commitment himself but thinks a boyfriend is just what Will needs to make him happy and anchor him to the town.
What follows is a journey that is sometimes funny, sometimes sweet and sometimes painful. Mark is blind to what he has in Will and it is definitely one of those books where you wish you could just shake the character to open his eyes to what should be so obvious!
I loved the dialogue between Mark and Will. Their conversation was so natural flowing and filled with cute and amusing banter. They make a great couple and it is obvious to everyone except Mark!
The other characters in this book are also wonderful with Mark's mother a particular favourite...
"Why can't you date Will?"
"Mom, we've been through this."
"Or someone like him. There has to be a boy out there that's cute and nice...and hung."
"No, seriously. Why can't you whine at me about finding a nice girl, getting married, having the picket fence and two-point-four kids like all the normal mothers."
"Because I'm not a normal mother, and you're not a normal son."
It is nice to see Carter and Issac make an appearance. They offer support to Mark once he finally realises he is losing Will. One of the highlights of the book was Mark's physical manifestation of a broken heart. Shortly after follows my favourite scene (you know that scene in a book that makes it worthwhile reading the book just for that one moment?)
Wonderful characters, sweet story, lots of love and laughter and a fabulous happy ending!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
June 16, 2013
3.75 stars. The first 1/4 of this book was very repetitive and I felt like I was being unrelentingly banged over the head with the fact that Will loved Mark and Mark (his best friend and inveterate man-whore) didn't know it. I was speed reading just to get through it. But then some more characters and a gentle plot was introduced and I settled into the story with a lot more enjoyment. Mark's gradual realisation makes up the whole story and they only get together towards the end. There are some really funny bits. Mark's mum and his episode of 'cardiomyopathy' were stand-outs. Carter and Isaac provided the counselling and support to the lovelorn couple and their wedding at the end brought everyone to tears including me! Very romantic.
June 14, 2017
3.5 Stars
I love when a self proclaimed bachelor finally realizes the person he's BFF's with is "the one". It's a tried and true recipe and pretty much works every time.
Confident, witty, sarcastic with a touch of ego, Mark is oblivious to what's right in front of him. He only wants Will to be happy and is determined to find him a boyfriend. Of course every guy Will comes across does not meet Mark's expectations… imagine that.
As always, this had great humor and good feels. I appreciate NR Walker's love of epilogues because I love them too. I only wish her stuff was more steamy!!
I love when a self proclaimed bachelor finally realizes the person he's BFF's with is "the one". It's a tried and true recipe and pretty much works every time.
Confident, witty, sarcastic with a touch of ego, Mark is oblivious to what's right in front of him. He only wants Will to be happy and is determined to find him a boyfriend. Of course every guy Will comes across does not meet Mark's expectations… imagine that.
As always, this had great humor and good feels. I appreciate NR Walker's love of epilogues because I love them too. I only wish her stuff was more steamy!!
June 25, 2021
It was okay, Mark spent more time throughout the book trying to get Will a boyfriend than actually acknowledging his growing feelings towards Will. He finally woke up and realized he was in love with Will but most of the book was over by then.
May 22, 2016
Los dos anteriores de la serie no me gustaron demasiado (Carter me parecía un moñas e Isaac me caía mal) pero este me encantó. Mark y Will son taaaan monos.
July 14, 2017
Ellos son monísimos y convierten el libro en una lectura muy agradable. Sin más.
January 19, 2015
BR, January 16th with Julie.
First of all, I’m not going to make such a fuss about this review cause my Buddy Reader, Julie already did an amazing job with her review!!
Julie’s review
I was so excited to read Mark’s story and it was great but I do have a few things that bothered me..
I loved Mark’s humor and I really had a blast all the time but it was obvious for me though that a big part of him was hidden behind that mask. The first 30% there was not anything serious coming out of his mouth. It was funny but….
But must of all, Mark’s ignorance and also Will’s drove me up the wall…
"I think I'm getting the flu or something. Or maybe I'm dying. I don't know. I feel like I've been hit by a bus."
And that one incident… I don’t even want to mention it! If you want to read it, please check Paul’s review!!
For me, Isaac and Carter saved the book. If it wasn’t it for them, I would have given it 3 stars!!
Isaac may be the one who is blind but he amazed me often with his “ability” to see things his way!!
So, my favorite part of the book was
“Because today’s the day , saved my life. In more ways than one. He saved me. He showed me love and faith, and he believed in me”
“I can’t see. But I’ll tell you this. I can see him. It took me a long time to realize, but I can see him. I can see him, what he does for me, how much he loves me, how lucky I am. I might be blind, but I can see the gift that is Carter. I am blessed, and – if anyone ever tells you there’s no such things as angels, you can tell them they’re wrong.
Of course, when Mark and Will got their heads out of their asses, the book was all fluffy and sweet. And all was forgotten!!
Mark:
“I was quite happily miserable until you came along and BLINDSIDED me with this whole love thing.”
Will:
“You’re my one true thing.”
~ THE END ~
Other reviews of the series:
- review Blind Faith (Book 1)
- review Through These Eyes (book 2)
- review Twelfth of Never (Book 3,5)
September 30, 2015
This is the story of Mark and Will, so you can read this as a standalone. We meet Mark in the previous books in the series, so we know he is Carter’s friend and later Isaac’s too.
When Carter moved to Boston Mark lost his best friend, but soon he finds a new one in Will Parkinson, his new colleague. Will seems to be unhappy, so Mark tries to do something for him, he is determined to find a date for his friend, but he needs to be the one who chose the guy. Will wants to be in a relationship, he wants to love and be loved.
Mark is bi-sexual. He is loyal friend and a funny guy, but most important he doesn’t do commitment. He doesn’t want the complication or the inevitable break-up.
Mark and Will have a great relationship as friends. They are very close. They are so close, that sometimes people think they are a couple or at least fuck-buddies. Mark tries to find different guys for Will, but every single time the idea of Will with any other guy bothers him.
What comes next is a great storyline where in the end Mark, with a little help really opens his eyes.
Sweet, funny and sometimes heartbreaking, Blindside is definitely my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed the characters, especially Mark and was nice to see how he grows up and how he realize what is in front of his eyes. Both characters were lovable, credible and like everything in this book real. I enjoyed the storyline, I was captivated because I wanted to know how things will work out for Mark and Will. I also enjoyed how things progressed between Mark and Will. Their relationship seemed natural and like I said real. The dialogue and banter between them is great and their chemistry is fantastic.
Mark’s mother is perfect, a little “crazy”, but a good crazy, real funny and lovable, she supports and loves both Mark and Will. It was really great to see Carter and Isaac again and to see how great friends they are to Mark.
When Carter moved to Boston Mark lost his best friend, but soon he finds a new one in Will Parkinson, his new colleague. Will seems to be unhappy, so Mark tries to do something for him, he is determined to find a date for his friend, but he needs to be the one who chose the guy. Will wants to be in a relationship, he wants to love and be loved.
Will, what would you do for love?
What wouldn’t I do for it?
Mark is bi-sexual. He is loyal friend and a funny guy, but most important he doesn’t do commitment. He doesn’t want the complication or the inevitable break-up.
I didn’t want to depend on someone else like that. I didn’t want to trust anyone else; I didn’t want to lose any part of myself.
Mark and Will have a great relationship as friends. They are very close. They are so close, that sometimes people think they are a couple or at least fuck-buddies. Mark tries to find different guys for Will, but every single time the idea of Will with any other guy bothers him.
What comes next is a great storyline where in the end Mark, with a little help really opens his eyes.
Sweet, funny and sometimes heartbreaking, Blindside is definitely my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed the characters, especially Mark and was nice to see how he grows up and how he realize what is in front of his eyes. Both characters were lovable, credible and like everything in this book real. I enjoyed the storyline, I was captivated because I wanted to know how things will work out for Mark and Will. I also enjoyed how things progressed between Mark and Will. Their relationship seemed natural and like I said real. The dialogue and banter between them is great and their chemistry is fantastic.
Mark’s mother is perfect, a little “crazy”, but a good crazy, real funny and lovable, she supports and loves both Mark and Will. It was really great to see Carter and Isaac again and to see how great friends they are to Mark.
When people say they’d do anything for the people they care about, I know what that means.
October 3, 2018
Oh the warm and fuzzy feels! And the tears… But more on that later.
Mark: I totally love you, bro, you're the best!
Will: Uhm. Sure. I. Uhm. Gotta go.
Best friend #1: Think we should tell them?
Best friend #2: Nah. They'll figure it out.
Mark's mom: Guys, would you please, for the love of everything, just get married already?
Mark: Mom! No. Love is overrated.
Will: Oh. Okay. I have to go…
Mark: Guys! I think I'm dying. My chest hurts, I can't breathe. WHAT IS THIS?
Best friends: It's called love.
Mark: Oh.
This book literally had everything I want in a good story:
- best friends to lovers
- delicious slooooooow burn
- sarcastic bickering
- adorably clueless idiots
- a "love is completely overrated and commitment the end of the world" happy-go-lucky idiot who actually realizes he has some serious growing up to do, but still stays his adorably ridiculously awesome self
- exes who are not evil and still good friends after their break-up
- one hilarious mother who keeps embarrassing her grown-up son just for the fun of it
I loved Mark. He started out as such an idiot, so YAY for actual growth! His reaction to realizing he has feelings (the horror!) was just so heart-breaking (which might be because I relate to him like crazy seeing as we're pretty alike, so. I get why some people would see him as a total ass), I cried until the very end. Will is his perfect other half, more quiet and reserved, but still more than willing to argue for days over the perfect superhero cape. They are so perfect together! I love them <3
Trigger warnings:
Don't read this if you have a problem with people going on dates and sleeping with someone (off page) who is not the one they end up with. I personally don't have a problem with this, but I know a lot of people don't like it.
Mark: I totally love you, bro, you're the best!
Will: Uhm. Sure. I. Uhm. Gotta go.
Best friend #1: Think we should tell them?
Best friend #2: Nah. They'll figure it out.
Mark's mom: Guys, would you please, for the love of everything, just get married already?
Mark: Mom! No. Love is overrated.
Will: Oh. Okay. I have to go…
Mark: Guys! I think I'm dying. My chest hurts, I can't breathe. WHAT IS THIS?
Best friends: It's called love.
Mark: Oh.
This book literally had everything I want in a good story:
- best friends to lovers
- delicious slooooooow burn
- sarcastic bickering
- adorably clueless idiots
- a "love is completely overrated and commitment the end of the world" happy-go-lucky idiot who actually realizes he has some serious growing up to do, but still stays his adorably ridiculously awesome self
- exes who are not evil and still good friends after their break-up
- one hilarious mother who keeps embarrassing her grown-up son just for the fun of it
I loved Mark. He started out as such an idiot, so YAY for actual growth! His reaction to realizing he has feelings (the horror!) was just so heart-breaking (which might be because I relate to him like crazy seeing as we're pretty alike, so. I get why some people would see him as a total ass), I cried until the very end. Will is his perfect other half, more quiet and reserved, but still more than willing to argue for days over the perfect superhero cape. They are so perfect together! I love them <3
Trigger warnings:
Don't read this if you have a problem with people going on dates and sleeping with someone (off page) who is not the one they end up with. I personally don't have a problem with this, but I know a lot of people don't like it.
November 4, 2015
I loved it! Funny, some feels, and an HEA.
January 4, 2016
I loved books #1 and #2 in this series, but I was a little worried about this one. Mark is a bit overwhelming and I wasn't sure I could handle an entire book of his awesomeness. But I really liked Will and Mark. I only wish they had gotten together earlier, ya know? There wasn't enough page time of them as a couple. I was glad to see Isaac and Carter again and loved the ending. Overall a great series!!
April 18, 2017
N.R. Walker has written things I've loved and things I've hated. I didn't entirely hate this book, but I'm kinda wondering when authors will get clued in to the fact that most of us don't like reading about the MC's having sex with other people. It's not a good point of conflict for me as it just makes me want to stop reading.
Removed from Kindle
Removed from Kindle
January 22, 2022
I loved the ending but the journey there was... hard.
August 24, 2017
3.5 redondeadas a 4 por el extra de azúcar.
Se lee muy fácil y la historia es dulce y entretenida a pesar de ser un trope que está más que explotado, los personajes son divertidos (mención especia a la madre de Mark) que es adorable y para Mark, ambos muy tiernos aunque Mark casi me desesperaba a veces.
Muy recomendable.
Se lee muy fácil y la historia es dulce y entretenida a pesar de ser un trope que está más que explotado, los personajes son divertidos (mención especia a la madre de Mark) que es adorable y para Mark, ambos muy tiernos aunque Mark casi me desesperaba a veces.
Muy recomendable.
January 29, 2021
Blind or not, some things are easy to see.
Mark and Will struggle as best friends but sex is out as best friends. Or is it? As the situation changes and Mark tries to find a boyfriend for Will, Markus faced with a new situation that even pleases his Mother.
Mark and Will struggle as best friends but sex is out as best friends. Or is it? As the situation changes and Mark tries to find a boyfriend for Will, Markus faced with a new situation that even pleases his Mother.
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