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The F-Word #5
Freedom
Agoraphobe Jaden has barely left the house in years. Being dragged to a gay bar by his big brother to bid on a blind date is not his idea of a good time. But then the unthinkable happens: he wins. Sure, he was just about ready to push his boundaries--but on his own time. Not with a probably-gorgeous stranger watching his every move.
Henry hasn't been on a date in the last year--ever since he finished with lower surgery. He works as a nature guide now in the great outdoors, and his new life suits him just fine. Just one thing's missing: a man to share it with. Jaden is sweet, accepting, yet terrified by everything about the date that isn't Henry. But he sees something in Jaden--in his courage for showing up, and his hope and vulnerability along the way.
Back home, when he's in Denver in between guiding trips, Henry quickly becomes a staple in Jaden's home. With Jaden's understanding, Henry grows confident in his own skin. And with Henry's support, the walls of Jaden's sheltered life open up. But every step forward seems like it comes with two steps back. Can they take a deep breath and step into the wide open future--together?
This novel is based on "Denver" -- a short story from the Heart2Heart 2 anthology. It has been revised and significantly expanded. It is now a standalone gay romance novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger.
Henry hasn't been on a date in the last year--ever since he finished with lower surgery. He works as a nature guide now in the great outdoors, and his new life suits him just fine. Just one thing's missing: a man to share it with. Jaden is sweet, accepting, yet terrified by everything about the date that isn't Henry. But he sees something in Jaden--in his courage for showing up, and his hope and vulnerability along the way.
Back home, when he's in Denver in between guiding trips, Henry quickly becomes a staple in Jaden's home. With Jaden's understanding, Henry grows confident in his own skin. And with Henry's support, the walls of Jaden's sheltered life open up. But every step forward seems like it comes with two steps back. Can they take a deep breath and step into the wide open future--together?
This novel is based on "Denver" -- a short story from the Heart2Heart 2 anthology. It has been revised and significantly expanded. It is now a standalone gay romance novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2020
53 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books726 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 31, 2021
This is a warm story about two men who win a date together, after someone in their life pushes them into a charity raffle. For both of them, the date is a potential leap of faith. Jaden is just beginning to venture outside his own apartment, after a traumatic experience left him with deep agoraphobia. Henry is a trans guy who has spent the last several years in the closet, as everyone around him now reads him as a cis man.
For Jaden, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon is almost ridiculously out of his comfort zone, no matter how much his therapist says he's ready to stretch his limits a little. Only his determination not to look like a coward, and an unexpected sense of ease around the muscular outdoorsman his date turned out to be, lets him move forward.
For Henry, the temptation to out himself has been slowly growing. He hasn't dated since his last surgery, and the satisfaction of being consistently and unequivocally read as male is at war with the desire to own all the parts of his identity. His blind date turns out to be a shy, slender guy, whose fears wake the protective nature in Henry. Maybe this is someone he can come out to and be liked for all of him, without pretenses.
Despite moments of setback and rejections, this is a warm positive story. The tension is mainly external to the couple, and the elements are emotional but not angsty. I really enjoyed adding to my shelves another solid romance with a relatable, original, and well-depicted trans guy. I was rooting for these two guys to find the freedom to become their best selves in each other's lives.
For Jaden, a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon is almost ridiculously out of his comfort zone, no matter how much his therapist says he's ready to stretch his limits a little. Only his determination not to look like a coward, and an unexpected sense of ease around the muscular outdoorsman his date turned out to be, lets him move forward.
For Henry, the temptation to out himself has been slowly growing. He hasn't dated since his last surgery, and the satisfaction of being consistently and unequivocally read as male is at war with the desire to own all the parts of his identity. His blind date turns out to be a shy, slender guy, whose fears wake the protective nature in Henry. Maybe this is someone he can come out to and be liked for all of him, without pretenses.
Despite moments of setback and rejections, this is a warm positive story. The tension is mainly external to the couple, and the elements are emotional but not angsty. I really enjoyed adding to my shelves another solid romance with a relatable, original, and well-depicted trans guy. I was rooting for these two guys to find the freedom to become their best selves in each other's lives.
June 27, 2020
I loved everything about this book. The writing was beautiful, the characters were wonderful, I loved the heartbreaking scenes and I loved the heartwarming scenes. I loved the conversations about gender and sexuality and mental illness. I honestly have only great things to say.
There were many lines that stood out to me but I want to share two that spoke to my heart: “If you’re carrying around other people’s shame, you don’t have room for your own Glory. Even freedom”. And: “end of the day, we only get one life. Do, you boo. It’s scary as shit, but the people who matter will stick around.”
It’s one of the best book books I read this year. I highly recommend it.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
There were many lines that stood out to me but I want to share two that spoke to my heart: “If you’re carrying around other people’s shame, you don’t have room for your own Glory. Even freedom”. And: “end of the day, we only get one life. Do, you boo. It’s scary as shit, but the people who matter will stick around.”
It’s one of the best book books I read this year. I highly recommend it.
5/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
June 13, 2023
This was book 5 in the
"F-Word"
but it can be read as a standalone. This was a very good read and emotional for me. Jaden is an agoraphobe he has a fear of open spaces and crowds he is not happy when his brother Spencer drags him to a bar and enters him in a raffle for a date and he wins. His date Henry was dragged out by his best friend Trip. Henry is trans and he has a fear of being rejected. These two really liked each other. Both of these guys have been through a lot Jaden is tried of living the way he is living. Each of them looking for freedom. This book opened my eyes to some of the things that trans people go thru and the fear that they live with. Henry's boss was with him being gay but he had a problem with him being trans. Jaden has lived in fear for 5 years after in incident at the beach. Each one of them is learning new things learning to live life. Both of these characters were sweet and loveable. I myself have suffered from anxiety for many years and I think the author did a really good job with the subject matter in this book. I loved that each one of them had people in there live standing by them. I have read this author before this book was well written no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
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March 27, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/27/2021)! 🎁
October 5, 2021
Anxious agoraphobic guy meets FTM trans outdoors guide. All sugary fluff and no substance, like eating candy floss. Instalove, and then moving in together after barely a handful of dates. 100% predictable, no surprises, no complexity, no subtext, no conflict anywhere, everything and everyone is just sweet. The dialogue and the guys' inner thoughts sound more like a therapy session than a real relationship. And half the chapters end with peppy cliches like "Anything could happen." and "Maybe this is exactly what he needed."
June 21, 2020
This story begins with Jaden being dragged out by his brother, Spence. There’s a charity event that involves potential dates. Spence is on a mission to get Jaden a date and move his life forward. But Jaden has issues that he’s struggling with. There was a hate crime in his past that has contributed to him being agoraphobic. Most times when he tries to leave the house, he’s overcome by panic and anxiety.
That date that Jaden “wins” is an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon with a young man named Henry. Henry is Jaden’s date. He’s an outdoor guide so there’s no problem for him being out tramping towards the Grand Canyon.
The two men have chemistry right away. Henry is sweet and patient with Jaden and the two of them have a great time. Henry even feels comfortable enough to tell Jaden that he is trans which is something that he hasn’t even told his best friend at work.
The relationship moves quickly, maybe a little too quickly for me, but that’s just subjective. The author was great about revealing the major issues that the two main characters were dealing with at the beginning of the novel…and I suppose I struggled a bit with either of them being so keen to jump into a relationship after only a couple of days spent together.
There are some really great themes running through this book. The author writes a couple of perspectives about dating when you are dealing with something like agoraphobia. Jaden knows his own limits. He will ask for help when he needs it, but he’s capable and strong in spite of what he’s dealing with. I really enjoyed his character. I particularly liked that Jaden speaks up when Henry tries to “do things” for him… it’s not that he doesn’t appreciate it, but he wants to give himself the opportunity to get better, to try things… even if he might find that it’s too much.
As this is an own-voices novel, I found Henry’s voice really authentic and enjoyable. As a trans man, Henry has moved forward throughout his life with “transition” or escape from dysphoria as his goal. Once he had his bottom surgery… he seemed to be set adrift a bit. It reminded me of a book I read by Juno Roche called “Trans Power”. In that book, Juno writes about what “trans” is… is it a noun or a verb? Is it a destination? Is it a state? Is it fluid or static? Does the process even begin or end?
Henry is on a path to realizing where being “trans” fits in his life. Is it something he wants to continue to edit out? Is it something he wants to be out about? Henry’s thoughts about coming out are pretty intense at times. There are a few times during the course of the story when he comes out to people. Each time is different, and each time is emotional and a challenge for him.
Both main characters are on journeys and the author captures this really well. It’s clear this is an own-voices novel… it’s so authentic and feels really emotional. I really enjoyed this.
That date that Jaden “wins” is an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon with a young man named Henry. Henry is Jaden’s date. He’s an outdoor guide so there’s no problem for him being out tramping towards the Grand Canyon.
The two men have chemistry right away. Henry is sweet and patient with Jaden and the two of them have a great time. Henry even feels comfortable enough to tell Jaden that he is trans which is something that he hasn’t even told his best friend at work.
The relationship moves quickly, maybe a little too quickly for me, but that’s just subjective. The author was great about revealing the major issues that the two main characters were dealing with at the beginning of the novel…and I suppose I struggled a bit with either of them being so keen to jump into a relationship after only a couple of days spent together.
There are some really great themes running through this book. The author writes a couple of perspectives about dating when you are dealing with something like agoraphobia. Jaden knows his own limits. He will ask for help when he needs it, but he’s capable and strong in spite of what he’s dealing with. I really enjoyed his character. I particularly liked that Jaden speaks up when Henry tries to “do things” for him… it’s not that he doesn’t appreciate it, but he wants to give himself the opportunity to get better, to try things… even if he might find that it’s too much.
As this is an own-voices novel, I found Henry’s voice really authentic and enjoyable. As a trans man, Henry has moved forward throughout his life with “transition” or escape from dysphoria as his goal. Once he had his bottom surgery… he seemed to be set adrift a bit. It reminded me of a book I read by Juno Roche called “Trans Power”. In that book, Juno writes about what “trans” is… is it a noun or a verb? Is it a destination? Is it a state? Is it fluid or static? Does the process even begin or end?
Henry is on a path to realizing where being “trans” fits in his life. Is it something he wants to continue to edit out? Is it something he wants to be out about? Henry’s thoughts about coming out are pretty intense at times. There are a few times during the course of the story when he comes out to people. Each time is different, and each time is emotional and a challenge for him.
Both main characters are on journeys and the author captures this really well. It’s clear this is an own-voices novel… it’s so authentic and feels really emotional. I really enjoyed this.
June 26, 2020
Freedom is a fabulous book by E Davies. It grabbed me from the start, and ended up fully consuming me throughout.
A auction and a date between two men who both have an enormous amount of baggage. Depression, agoraphobia, and transgender baggage. Two men with secrets, fears, and doubts.
Oh my, immediately Henry melts his way into my heart. His conflict of how and when to reveal that he's trans hits the very heart of one of the fears of being trans. It's tough enough when you haven't told your friends, but going on dates has to be terrifying.
Jaden meanwhile is terrified to take the date he won. His depression and agoraphobia is crippling, but he's trying to get over his issues. His emotions are unveiled from the start, also winning his way into my heart.
Damn, these two are perfect together. They end up being open, understanding, and compassionate. The instant ease between the men is amazing, and the connection is mesmerizing. As for the physical connection, let's just say their chemistry is sizzling.
Oh, my heart when Henry asks Jaden "What did you like before the depression spell?" Swoon.
Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the emotions are front and center. The hesitancy, the life altering fear, and the romance are all fully brought to life. In general, the author writing style is phenomenal, with multi-layered characters and life changing storylines.
Once again, E Davies puts his heart on his sleeve, fully bringing his experiences as a trans non-binary person to his writing. The result is powerful and honest.
As well, he excels in creating an atmospheric setting that is fabulous. Everything about this book is wonderful.
Freedom is stellar read. This E Davies tale has left me with a serious book hangover. It is a truly beautiful book of finding oneself and moving forward with one's life.
A auction and a date between two men who both have an enormous amount of baggage. Depression, agoraphobia, and transgender baggage. Two men with secrets, fears, and doubts.
Oh my, immediately Henry melts his way into my heart. His conflict of how and when to reveal that he's trans hits the very heart of one of the fears of being trans. It's tough enough when you haven't told your friends, but going on dates has to be terrifying.
Jaden meanwhile is terrified to take the date he won. His depression and agoraphobia is crippling, but he's trying to get over his issues. His emotions are unveiled from the start, also winning his way into my heart.
Damn, these two are perfect together. They end up being open, understanding, and compassionate. The instant ease between the men is amazing, and the connection is mesmerizing. As for the physical connection, let's just say their chemistry is sizzling.
Oh, my heart when Henry asks Jaden "What did you like before the depression spell?" Swoon.
Written in alternating 3rd person pov, the emotions are front and center. The hesitancy, the life altering fear, and the romance are all fully brought to life. In general, the author writing style is phenomenal, with multi-layered characters and life changing storylines.
Once again, E Davies puts his heart on his sleeve, fully bringing his experiences as a trans non-binary person to his writing. The result is powerful and honest.
As well, he excels in creating an atmospheric setting that is fabulous. Everything about this book is wonderful.
Freedom is stellar read. This E Davies tale has left me with a serious book hangover. It is a truly beautiful book of finding oneself and moving forward with one's life.
July 10, 2020
Suuuuper sweet romance that thematizes the freedom in sharing fundamental parts of yourself.
Content warnings include: transphobia, agoraphobia, sex on-page, landlord disregards emotional support animals as pet,workplace discrimination; mentions of gender affirming surgery, homophobia, violent hate crime.
I really liked this romance!
So many great things: the way the agoraphobia was handled, talks about being trans, "passing", how people not knowing you're trans due to being "stealth" can be its own form of being closeted, and definitions of pansexuality.
But also the more trivial things like the cute dates, the fun setup, the trans support group in the background, and the simple joy of finding a life partner!
I liked the #ownvoices trans rep a lot. It was handled well and respectfully the entire way through.
I had a few minor issues with the writing. I found it quite hard to keep Jaden and Henry's POVs apart due to both of them having very similar mannerisms, and using the same words to describe their mannerisms. I also sometimes struggled with following the dialogue because I couldn't tell how statements and their replies fit together, but that might be more due to English not being my first language than anything else.
Content warnings include: transphobia, agoraphobia, sex on-page, landlord disregards emotional support animals as pet,workplace discrimination; mentions of gender affirming surgery, homophobia, violent hate crime.
I really liked this romance!
So many great things: the way the agoraphobia was handled, talks about being trans, "passing", how people not knowing you're trans due to being "stealth" can be its own form of being closeted, and definitions of pansexuality.
But also the more trivial things like the cute dates, the fun setup, the trans support group in the background, and the simple joy of finding a life partner!
I liked the #ownvoices trans rep a lot. It was handled well and respectfully the entire way through.
I had a few minor issues with the writing. I found it quite hard to keep Jaden and Henry's POVs apart due to both of them having very similar mannerisms, and using the same words to describe their mannerisms. I also sometimes struggled with following the dialogue because I couldn't tell how statements and their replies fit together, but that might be more due to English not being my first language than anything else.
January 16, 2023
A wonderful story but educational as well. It's not often that you find a love story where one of the characters is Trans, let alone a main character. Henry is a post-operative F/M Trans man who is set up for a date raffle as a fundraiser. Jaded is agoraphobia, and in a bid to overcome his condition, he attends the raffle with his brother. When Jaden wins the date, he's not sure how he'll manage an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon with a total stranger. Henry is hoping that his date will be understanding and not freaked out because he's Trans. Now that's the love story, but it's also educational about what it means to be Trans and the way science has made it possible to be who you are in all aspects of what that means.
July 3, 2020
Despite some heavy subject matter this was a sweet romance.
The MCs were adorable together and despite difficult pasts, they were both facing their demons and came across as strong individuals.
A happy strong trans character always hits a soft place in my heart, and this was Henry in spades. He was my absolute favourite character in this book, and I loved that he had nerves and bad days just like everyone else.
This is the first book I've read in this series. I don't know how the series is connected, but this book could definitely be read as a standalone.
The MCs were adorable together and despite difficult pasts, they were both facing their demons and came across as strong individuals.
A happy strong trans character always hits a soft place in my heart, and this was Henry in spades. He was my absolute favourite character in this book, and I loved that he had nerves and bad days just like everyone else.
This is the first book I've read in this series. I don't know how the series is connected, but this book could definitely be read as a standalone.
July 28, 2020
a perfect low-angst, super sweet romance! i adored the romance between Henry and Jaden here, and the way they were so perfectly able to help one another. there's a lot of tough subjects being discussed in this one which I appreciated, but i also love that the author did a great job in keeping the overall tone light and fun.
August 11, 2020
This was a new-to-me author and series. I was intrigued about this book so decided to check it out. It started out nice, and there wasn't anything wrong in particular about the writing, but it just didn't really pull me in. And I knew about the blind date thing, but somehow I expected this to be more slow-burn than it actually was. So that was a bummer. Also way too sappy in parts and too heavy on the smut for my taste.
A couple of petty niggles.. the pet names used here just did not work for me at all. And I felt like Jayden was giggling in pretty much every single scene, so that got kind of grating.
Overall it was a sweet story but I found my attention wandering for some of it.
A couple of petty niggles.. the pet names used here just did not work for me at all. And I felt like Jayden was giggling in pretty much every single scene, so that got kind of grating.
Overall it was a sweet story but I found my attention wandering for some of it.
July 7, 2020
What I Think: Okay, so this is the first time I’m reading an E. Davies tale and I’ve been dying to get my hands on one of them because I loved the little I saw of them (not sure which pronoun they prefer) on Facebook. More importantly, reading his tales were also a challenge to self. I have never come across a trans person and I honestly don’t know if I could date one because here in West Africa, some things just seem so far-fetched that until someone throws the question in your face, you never stop to check yourself for any kind of phobia. I know there are people in the LGBTQIA community who are all kinds of phobic and my wish is to have a mind as liberal and accepting as the big, blue, Senegalese sky. But Msr. Davies made me ask myself that question just by being his very sweet, charming self and that’s why I jumped at the chance to review this tale. So, let’s find out what new growth is in store for me.
From the very start, the ease of the author’s writing style makes this tale personal so by the time he introduces the characters, it’s damn personal. Jaden makes me want to throw my bathrobe around him while hiding him. Knowing how difficult anxiety can be as I currently watch someone close deal with it made me immediately protective. And Spence. Oh lawdess, Spence. I don’t know if I want to hug him or kiss him but we all need a brother like him in our corner, flaws and all. Especially now that Jaden is in the kind of hot soup that Spence was hoping for. I’m holding hands with you, Jaden sweetie. Let’s get love in the bag. And didn’t Henry just become so interesting, even as I’m suddenly so nervous and sweaty for both of them? But even that melts away as I can’t help but chuckle helplessly at both of them. Both nervous for completely different reasons, each as huge as the other but damn, Henry is a charmer. Fate definitely works through awesome friends and brothers because already I can tell that these 2 belong together but will they see it in the short time they’re thrown together? Henry and Jaden are so much braver than they know. I couldn’t take the chance they’re taking for all the money in the world and that’s something I definitely need to work on. Because this tale here is a perfect example of one of my favorite sayings – to get a heart, one must give a heart. In spite of the fears in their hearts, that spark of attraction they feel and Henry’s easy gentleness makes Jaden want to try which in turn makes Henry want to try and they open their hearts to each other even as they let hope bloom. I love the ease with which they settle into each other. It makes the tale flowy and so soothing, especially after all the explosions of nerves. They’re both willing to reach out their hands for something they both crave, placing their hearts on the line just in the hopes that the other would do the same. I’m as thrilled as I am frightened for them. Only for anger to almost blind me as Jaden begins to tell his tale. It’s really annoying living in a world where animals are more humane than humans. But even this rage too passes over so swiftly because here’s so much sugar passing between this 2 that I can’t help laughing quietly. It’s a great tale to read on a sick day like today as I sank deeper into the cloud of this tale with each page. The eroticism and intimacy hit me because I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting it from shy, nervous Jaden. And I was a little scared of what to expect from Henry. Funny, how we can be subconsciously afraid of the unfamiliar. So, the erotica came at the right time and was just as sweet and even more tender for all the emotional and mental crap these two have been through, so tender that I read some parts peeking through my fingers. But I got a little pissed at Jaden. I get his issues with his brother pushing him before he’s ready but I find it unfair that he’s holding it against him when that’s how he met Henry. Forgive him, Jaden. He too was moved by love. The tenderness of this tale makes it so real that there were times I felt I was reading a diary, the intimacy, fear, and delight so naked and almost childlike that it was made even more real. As Jaden confronts his demons, so does Henry, finding his community and beginning to feel whole as he accepts everything that makes him Henry. It’s an emotional journey and I feel like I got to be part of that journey with them. That’s why it hurt so much when everything seemed to go wrong at the same time, leaving them both to make life-changing decisions at a time when they should have had more room to just breathe through the mental and emotional growth they were having. I needed to pause and breathe through it for us, quickly diving back in though because I needed to know my new bbfs (book boyfriends and yes, I’m keeping them both) got all the sugar they’ve earned and deserved. This is selfish jut you know the best part of all this? The certainty of not being transphobic aaand my dating range suddenly feels bigger because I used to think maybe, but now I know I would date a transwoman as surely as I would date a cis-gendered woman because in the end? It really all comes down to the zing. Yesss! I passed my own test!!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a tale celebrating the victory that comes with having the courage to be definitely, uniquely, splendiferously you!
From the very start, the ease of the author’s writing style makes this tale personal so by the time he introduces the characters, it’s damn personal. Jaden makes me want to throw my bathrobe around him while hiding him. Knowing how difficult anxiety can be as I currently watch someone close deal with it made me immediately protective. And Spence. Oh lawdess, Spence. I don’t know if I want to hug him or kiss him but we all need a brother like him in our corner, flaws and all. Especially now that Jaden is in the kind of hot soup that Spence was hoping for. I’m holding hands with you, Jaden sweetie. Let’s get love in the bag. And didn’t Henry just become so interesting, even as I’m suddenly so nervous and sweaty for both of them? But even that melts away as I can’t help but chuckle helplessly at both of them. Both nervous for completely different reasons, each as huge as the other but damn, Henry is a charmer. Fate definitely works through awesome friends and brothers because already I can tell that these 2 belong together but will they see it in the short time they’re thrown together? Henry and Jaden are so much braver than they know. I couldn’t take the chance they’re taking for all the money in the world and that’s something I definitely need to work on. Because this tale here is a perfect example of one of my favorite sayings – to get a heart, one must give a heart. In spite of the fears in their hearts, that spark of attraction they feel and Henry’s easy gentleness makes Jaden want to try which in turn makes Henry want to try and they open their hearts to each other even as they let hope bloom. I love the ease with which they settle into each other. It makes the tale flowy and so soothing, especially after all the explosions of nerves. They’re both willing to reach out their hands for something they both crave, placing their hearts on the line just in the hopes that the other would do the same. I’m as thrilled as I am frightened for them. Only for anger to almost blind me as Jaden begins to tell his tale. It’s really annoying living in a world where animals are more humane than humans. But even this rage too passes over so swiftly because here’s so much sugar passing between this 2 that I can’t help laughing quietly. It’s a great tale to read on a sick day like today as I sank deeper into the cloud of this tale with each page. The eroticism and intimacy hit me because I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting it from shy, nervous Jaden. And I was a little scared of what to expect from Henry. Funny, how we can be subconsciously afraid of the unfamiliar. So, the erotica came at the right time and was just as sweet and even more tender for all the emotional and mental crap these two have been through, so tender that I read some parts peeking through my fingers. But I got a little pissed at Jaden. I get his issues with his brother pushing him before he’s ready but I find it unfair that he’s holding it against him when that’s how he met Henry. Forgive him, Jaden. He too was moved by love. The tenderness of this tale makes it so real that there were times I felt I was reading a diary, the intimacy, fear, and delight so naked and almost childlike that it was made even more real. As Jaden confronts his demons, so does Henry, finding his community and beginning to feel whole as he accepts everything that makes him Henry. It’s an emotional journey and I feel like I got to be part of that journey with them. That’s why it hurt so much when everything seemed to go wrong at the same time, leaving them both to make life-changing decisions at a time when they should have had more room to just breathe through the mental and emotional growth they were having. I needed to pause and breathe through it for us, quickly diving back in though because I needed to know my new bbfs (book boyfriends and yes, I’m keeping them both) got all the sugar they’ve earned and deserved. This is selfish jut you know the best part of all this? The certainty of not being transphobic aaand my dating range suddenly feels bigger because I used to think maybe, but now I know I would date a transwoman as surely as I would date a cis-gendered woman because in the end? It really all comes down to the zing. Yesss! I passed my own test!!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a tale celebrating the victory that comes with having the courage to be definitely, uniquely, splendiferously you!
July 3, 2020
Freedom
MMy Thoughts, Confessions, and Review:
Confessions: I typically wait a day or two before I write a review. I like to ponder and just spend a little time with the characters in my head before putting my thoughts on paper. However, with Jaden and Henry, I found myself listening (TTS) to their story back to back instead. Halfway through the second read, I remembered doing the same thing with book one of this series, when I had Joel Leslie (narrator) in my ears. With a computer voice in my ears with "Freedom" listening to this book for the second time is a testament to the magical storytelling abilities of Davies. I'm already looking forward to this one coming to Audio.
Review: I know I have used the same words before to paint a word picture of Davies' writing, and I am going to use them again because they are what I feel and see in my mind whenever I read one of his books. Davies pricks a piece of his soul each time he writes a book and bleeds the words into his story. A reader knows this in the way his characters are emotionally alive. It's as if a person can feel the breath of the characters as they speak. I feel like each time I finish one of Davies' stories I say, "It was my favorite." **giggle... I may have to give up saying that and just conclude that my love for these books is like the love one has for shoes...different, but equal. 🤣
In "Freedom" I fell head over heels for Jaden and Henry. They each came into their relationship with demons. Neither had the answers or pretended to. No billionaires, princes, or Masters to save the day in this one. Just two perfectly imperfect souls working out life's twists and turns alone. At least until one fateful night when thanks to chance, fate, or simply a pushy brother and a wingman intervening, they had their first date. From there a friendship was born that grew to be something beautiful. The two souls learned to work together to battle their demons and navigate the twists and turns...
Final Thoughts: This is one series you can absolutely read as a standalone. However, I would never understand why anyone would. I mean, it is an E. Davies story after all.❤
Sharonica's Stars:
5.00+ I-no-longer-want-to-be-stealth-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for my review.👬🌈👬
MMy Thoughts, Confessions, and Review:
Confessions: I typically wait a day or two before I write a review. I like to ponder and just spend a little time with the characters in my head before putting my thoughts on paper. However, with Jaden and Henry, I found myself listening (TTS) to their story back to back instead. Halfway through the second read, I remembered doing the same thing with book one of this series, when I had Joel Leslie (narrator) in my ears. With a computer voice in my ears with "Freedom" listening to this book for the second time is a testament to the magical storytelling abilities of Davies. I'm already looking forward to this one coming to Audio.
Review: I know I have used the same words before to paint a word picture of Davies' writing, and I am going to use them again because they are what I feel and see in my mind whenever I read one of his books. Davies pricks a piece of his soul each time he writes a book and bleeds the words into his story. A reader knows this in the way his characters are emotionally alive. It's as if a person can feel the breath of the characters as they speak. I feel like each time I finish one of Davies' stories I say, "It was my favorite." **giggle... I may have to give up saying that and just conclude that my love for these books is like the love one has for shoes...different, but equal. 🤣
In "Freedom" I fell head over heels for Jaden and Henry. They each came into their relationship with demons. Neither had the answers or pretended to. No billionaires, princes, or Masters to save the day in this one. Just two perfectly imperfect souls working out life's twists and turns alone. At least until one fateful night when thanks to chance, fate, or simply a pushy brother and a wingman intervening, they had their first date. From there a friendship was born that grew to be something beautiful. The two souls learned to work together to battle their demons and navigate the twists and turns...
Final Thoughts: This is one series you can absolutely read as a standalone. However, I would never understand why anyone would. I mean, it is an E. Davies story after all.❤
Sharonica's Stars:
5.00+ I-no-longer-want-to-be-stealth-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I received a complimentary copy of this book from GRR in exchange for my review.👬🌈👬
July 10, 2020
Jaden has agoraphobia, which gives him severe panic attacks when he is outside of his house. He has been receiving therapy and slowly making progress, but his brother wants to speed up the process by signing him up for a blind date contest on a whim. When he wins, Jaden would rather do anything but go across the country with a stranger. But when he meets Henry, he is a little less apprehensive about this trip. Henry is new to the dating world himself after finishing his lower surgery recently, and he is worried about how dating will treat him.
I loved these two characters. They both come to the table with worries about dating, all valid worries, yet they fit each other perfectly and are able to calm each other down when needed. Both of them want to take things slow, but their chemistry is undeniable. I didn’t notice any of the things that I usually hate about short romance novels, that being the annoying “conflict” that sometimes occurs near the end to drive the characters apart. Any type of conflict in the story seemed to be a valid, real conflict that affected these characters deeply.
This book addressed agoraphobia in a realistic and sensitive manner. It did not infantalize Jaden by making it seem like the outdoors were “so scary” and that he just wanted to stay inside. Jaden knew his anxiety could be irrational, yet he respects how his body feels and works with his mind in order not to push himself to a breaking point. He lives his life as an adult, while receiving treatment for this debilitating mental illness that he suffers from.
Henry being transgender is also not a problem in this book. It isn’t used as a feature to “mold” his character, and he has many character traits besides being transgender. Do not worry about this being a “token” representation, I loved Henry so much! Not sure how accurate this book was in its sex scenes, but if it was accurate it was very educational!
Overall, I would recommend Freedom by E Davies to anyone looking for a new gay romance novel.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I loved these two characters. They both come to the table with worries about dating, all valid worries, yet they fit each other perfectly and are able to calm each other down when needed. Both of them want to take things slow, but their chemistry is undeniable. I didn’t notice any of the things that I usually hate about short romance novels, that being the annoying “conflict” that sometimes occurs near the end to drive the characters apart. Any type of conflict in the story seemed to be a valid, real conflict that affected these characters deeply.
This book addressed agoraphobia in a realistic and sensitive manner. It did not infantalize Jaden by making it seem like the outdoors were “so scary” and that he just wanted to stay inside. Jaden knew his anxiety could be irrational, yet he respects how his body feels and works with his mind in order not to push himself to a breaking point. He lives his life as an adult, while receiving treatment for this debilitating mental illness that he suffers from.
Henry being transgender is also not a problem in this book. It isn’t used as a feature to “mold” his character, and he has many character traits besides being transgender. Do not worry about this being a “token” representation, I loved Henry so much! Not sure how accurate this book was in its sex scenes, but if it was accurate it was very educational!
Overall, I would recommend Freedom by E Davies to anyone looking for a new gay romance novel.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
February 4, 2021
This fifth novel in the F-word series was a well written gay romance novel with good character development. This series is interesting in that the first two books have suspense while the rest of the books don't. Two things make this novel stand out in the series. The first is that it features a character with agoraphobia, a serious mental health issue. The second is that its connection to the rest of the series is so vague. The other books all feature characters who either work at Pulse or have friends who do while Henry and Jaden don't; in fact, they live in a different state. Anyhow, I thought that like Jake from the fourth book, Henry is portrayed well as a trans character, and the story shows his insecurities and fears well, Also, I just have to say that Jaden is probably my favorite character of the series. Like Sam in the third book, he is so precious, and I enjoyed seeing a character struggle with and confront his anxiety because I relate to that so much; while I'm not agoraphobic like Jaden, I do have an anxiety disorder, and so I know how hard life often is when you struggle with mental health issues. So then, I don't know if this is intended to be the last book of this series or not, but I ultimately appreciated this series and how interesting and thought-provoking all the characters were, and I am glad that I persevered through this series after having had issues with the first book.
June 18, 2020
😍♥️
This was my first book from the author, although I wanted to read from him like forever I'm glad I started this book.
The story was awesome and the characters totally adorable. I loved Jaden and Henry, they were lovely and strong characters.
The romance was really good and the erotic scenes super HOT. I loved the low angst of the story, both Jaden and Henry had to struggle with their own problemes, but the end of the day they only wanted to be with each other.
This whole 'win a free date to the Grand Canyon' was interesting and I liked how everything had turned out for them. But I think Jaden wasn't as afraid from that whole date/flying alone/being in open spaces thing than he was later on the story. I mean he was really struggling with his agoraphobia later on the book, and it was really well written and came thorugh well, but I think it was confusing for the timeline. At the beginning he was able to fly mostly alone and be with a complete stranger on a new field, but later he couldn't handle more easy tasks - it was like he wasn't the same person as the beginning.
Jaden went thorugh so much and he came out stronger at the end, just as Henry. I adored Henry so much, but I still can't wrap my head around the amount of money he had?! All the surgery while owning a big house by himself? That work must be paying very well lol.
And Trip! I loved him too, he was a really good friend for Henry. Just as Spence was a really good brother for Jaden. And Cece, aww! That dog was cute too♥
It was a really good book, I loved it from the very beginning. Couldn't put it down and read it in one go.
Highly recommend it!
This was my first book from the author, although I wanted to read from him like forever I'm glad I started this book.
The story was awesome and the characters totally adorable. I loved Jaden and Henry, they were lovely and strong characters.
The romance was really good and the erotic scenes super HOT. I loved the low angst of the story, both Jaden and Henry had to struggle with their own problemes, but the end of the day they only wanted to be with each other.
This whole 'win a free date to the Grand Canyon' was interesting and I liked how everything had turned out for them. But I think Jaden wasn't as afraid from that whole date/flying alone/being in open spaces thing than he was later on the story. I mean he was really struggling with his agoraphobia later on the book, and it was really well written and came thorugh well, but I think it was confusing for the timeline. At the beginning he was able to fly mostly alone and be with a complete stranger on a new field, but later he couldn't handle more easy tasks - it was like he wasn't the same person as the beginning.
Jaden went thorugh so much and he came out stronger at the end, just as Henry. I adored Henry so much, but I still can't wrap my head around the amount of money he had?! All the surgery while owning a big house by himself? That work must be paying very well lol.
And Trip! I loved him too, he was a really good friend for Henry. Just as Spence was a really good brother for Jaden. And Cece, aww! That dog was cute too♥
It was a really good book, I loved it from the very beginning. Couldn't put it down and read it in one go.
Highly recommend it!
July 4, 2020
There are many things in life that can keep us from enjoying the freedom we deserve on. Fear is definitely one of them. For Jaden, who battles agoraphobia brought on by being a victim of a gay-bashing. For Henry, it was coming out as trans to his coworkers and friends. Despite being out as a gay man, he kept that part close to the vest.
While they both had someone close to them (Jaden has his brother, Spence, and Henry has his best friend, Trip), they didn’t really let anyone else in. Thanks to their cohorts, they won a raffle and met, and fate took over from there.
This was a touching book. It has romance and sexy times, but has so much more, too. It is full of hope and information woven throughout the story, that I believe it will connect with people everywhere, for possibly different reasons. That makes my heart smile.
I love E. Davies's talents for storytelling and how much respect he shows for every character he crafts. Jaden and Henry were likable and very enjoyable to be around, even if only through a story. I loved watching their journey, and I feel like I’m coming away from this story a bit better off than it found me. If that even makes sense.
This is book five in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I will admit to not having read the previous books, but after this one, I really want to! I’m kind of hoping to possibly see more Spence and Trip in the future. Who knows? Anything is possible...
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
While they both had someone close to them (Jaden has his brother, Spence, and Henry has his best friend, Trip), they didn’t really let anyone else in. Thanks to their cohorts, they won a raffle and met, and fate took over from there.
This was a touching book. It has romance and sexy times, but has so much more, too. It is full of hope and information woven throughout the story, that I believe it will connect with people everywhere, for possibly different reasons. That makes my heart smile.
I love E. Davies's talents for storytelling and how much respect he shows for every character he crafts. Jaden and Henry were likable and very enjoyable to be around, even if only through a story. I loved watching their journey, and I feel like I’m coming away from this story a bit better off than it found me. If that even makes sense.
This is book five in a series, but can be read as a standalone. I will admit to not having read the previous books, but after this one, I really want to! I’m kind of hoping to possibly see more Spence and Trip in the future. Who knows? Anything is possible...
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
July 18, 2020
Henry's junk..what! it's in the blurb...
This is by far my favorite read by E Davies. They write a great opening sentence in the blurb- 'life doesn't come with an instruction manual. But Henry's junk does'. That was enough to grab my attention.
With so many M/M romances out there it must be hard to stand out. The 1st sentence in the blurb did just that. I was slightly put off by the cover but aesthetics are in the eye of the viewer and what doesn't appeal to one reader may another.
The story covers two very different characters. Jaden, who suffers from agoraphobia (fear of open spaces, being outside ect) and Henry a wilderness guide who spends his time outside. Both are thrown together through a 'blind date raffle' for a date in the wilderness. Jadens worst fears...
You'd think the 'strong, confident Henry' will take care of our Jaden giving us the generic m/m romance structure: stronger character supports struggling character BUT... the beauty of the story for me is the two-way support they don't even realise they give each other.
The subject of the Henry's junk is beautifully portrayed without glorifying the subject, of what must be at a times a hard, lonely, mental and emotional journey.
They both want to find love and we are not dissapointed by their journey. E Davies never leaves us with an unhappy ending
Highly recommended read, Well done E Davies.
This is by far my favorite read by E Davies. They write a great opening sentence in the blurb- 'life doesn't come with an instruction manual. But Henry's junk does'. That was enough to grab my attention.
With so many M/M romances out there it must be hard to stand out. The 1st sentence in the blurb did just that. I was slightly put off by the cover but aesthetics are in the eye of the viewer and what doesn't appeal to one reader may another.
The story covers two very different characters. Jaden, who suffers from agoraphobia (fear of open spaces, being outside ect) and Henry a wilderness guide who spends his time outside. Both are thrown together through a 'blind date raffle' for a date in the wilderness. Jadens worst fears...
You'd think the 'strong, confident Henry' will take care of our Jaden giving us the generic m/m romance structure: stronger character supports struggling character BUT... the beauty of the story for me is the two-way support they don't even realise they give each other.
The subject of the Henry's junk is beautifully portrayed without glorifying the subject, of what must be at a times a hard, lonely, mental and emotional journey.
They both want to find love and we are not dissapointed by their journey. E Davies never leaves us with an unhappy ending
Highly recommended read, Well done E Davies.
June 24, 2020
Possibilities. This is what the future holds for Henry and Jaden.
Meeting through a date auction, they instantly connect.
Jaden’s brother Spence is trying to help him get over his agoraphobia by giving him a little push back into the dating scene.
Henry’s best friend Trip is giving him push into dating by entering him in the auction date. But Trip doesn’t know that Henry is trans and the only reason he agreed is because he’s finally through with his surgeries.
The date gives Henry and Jaden the push they needed to get the Freedom they both need.
I absolutely loved this couple and really enjoyed reading their story. ❤️
E. Davies has done a remarkable job of letting us see into the minds of a few trans and giving us a little insight of what they have gone through. Henry’s “instruction manual” was very enlightening! 😉
Henry and Jaden helping each other and loving each other leads to their Freedom to just live, Be who they want to be. Their possibilities are now endless!!
Even though this is the first book in the F-series that I have read, I didn’t miss out on anything from the previous books. It can be read as a stand-alone.

Meeting through a date auction, they instantly connect.
Jaden’s brother Spence is trying to help him get over his agoraphobia by giving him a little push back into the dating scene.
Henry’s best friend Trip is giving him push into dating by entering him in the auction date. But Trip doesn’t know that Henry is trans and the only reason he agreed is because he’s finally through with his surgeries.
The date gives Henry and Jaden the push they needed to get the Freedom they both need.
I absolutely loved this couple and really enjoyed reading their story. ❤️
E. Davies has done a remarkable job of letting us see into the minds of a few trans and giving us a little insight of what they have gone through. Henry’s “instruction manual” was very enlightening! 😉
Henry and Jaden helping each other and loving each other leads to their Freedom to just live, Be who they want to be. Their possibilities are now endless!!
Even though this is the first book in the F-series that I have read, I didn’t miss out on anything from the previous books. It can be read as a stand-alone.

July 8, 2020
I loved this. It was a great addition to the F Word series. Jaden is dealing with significant anxiety and agoraphobia after a traumatic incident of bashing while out with an ex. His brother tries to get him out more, and ends up entering him into a contest for an out of town date that Jaden ends up winning. The other date winner is Henry, and he hasn’t don’t much dating while he completed his transition. He’s been afraid of people’s reaction and being let down. He’s been stealth for a few years but starts to wonder if that is healthy for him.
These two were great together. They both had things to work through, but they helped each other through them. Not only did they allow the other to help, they also acknowledged that they couldn’t only rely on the other. This was very tastefully and respectfully done. Great story and characters.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
These two were great together. They both had things to work through, but they helped each other through them. Not only did they allow the other to help, they also acknowledged that they couldn’t only rely on the other. This was very tastefully and respectfully done. Great story and characters.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
July 3, 2020
I love the F-Word series. And whenever I finished a book of it I thought that one might have been the best. But Freedom really is exceptional. This story goes deep. It is the story about Henry, who lives "stealth" after transitioning and Jaden, who is agoraphobic, after a traumatic incident. After meeting at a blind date their connection is immediate. It is beautiful to watch those two characters developing. The relationship might be the push they both needed. But that is not where the story arc ends. The author gives clear insights how and why they want to change - not just for one another but for themselves. I loved to watch how they both worked out their inner thoughts to get to a place they both feel comfortable. The book is amazing on so many levels and I hope this was not the last installment in the series. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2020
I love the talent that E Davies has for taking a difficult, uncommon subject and delivering a powerful and emotional story, without delving into angst and over the top drama, and always with a look of hope.
in this book we have Jaden, an agoraphobe who has retreated to the safety of his house after an almost attack by some homophobes, but who is trying to get better and go out more. And Henry, a trans man, who's gone stealth for years now, but is finding hiding who he really is, is not good for him anymore.
Both men feel sort of trapped, but when they win an overnight trip to the Gran Canyon through a dating app raffle (thanks to theitr meddling brother and friends) tehy instantly click, finding support in each other and opening up to their fears.
The book is sweet, and as I said, full of hope, it can be read as a complete standalone, despite being # in the series.
in this book we have Jaden, an agoraphobe who has retreated to the safety of his house after an almost attack by some homophobes, but who is trying to get better and go out more. And Henry, a trans man, who's gone stealth for years now, but is finding hiding who he really is, is not good for him anymore.
Both men feel sort of trapped, but when they win an overnight trip to the Gran Canyon through a dating app raffle (thanks to theitr meddling brother and friends) tehy instantly click, finding support in each other and opening up to their fears.
The book is sweet, and as I said, full of hope, it can be read as a complete standalone, despite being # in the series.
July 6, 2020
Wonderful story of two men searching for freedom from the burdens of their past and freedom to live their lives without being obliged to adjust to or be caged by the expectations of the outside world.
Henry describes the process of his transition in simple words without hiding the struggles and insecurities involved in such a life changing procedure and its impact on Henry’s every day life. I loved how Jaden included Henry’s peculiarities in their relationship turning them into positive and at times funny aspects of their most personal bond.
Jaden’s issues were huge and counterbalanced very well Henry’s struggles so that none of them was the focus of the storyline, but on the contrary overcoming each issue was a step forward to building their very personal HEA according to their terms and with the friends and family they chose.
Wonderful tough read.
Henry describes the process of his transition in simple words without hiding the struggles and insecurities involved in such a life changing procedure and its impact on Henry’s every day life. I loved how Jaden included Henry’s peculiarities in their relationship turning them into positive and at times funny aspects of their most personal bond.
Jaden’s issues were huge and counterbalanced very well Henry’s struggles so that none of them was the focus of the storyline, but on the contrary overcoming each issue was a step forward to building their very personal HEA according to their terms and with the friends and family they chose.
Wonderful tough read.
August 14, 2020
Omg I can’t believe what a beautiful beautiful book this is.. it’s heart warming and sweet and hopeful and just perfect... it’s so fast paced and there is not a dull moment.. both Henry and Jaden captured my heart.. and made it light and happy..
I love that an agoraphobic Jaden meets Henry, a stealth trans man.. I love that it was fate that brought them together and how perfect they are for each other. How they both help the other become stronger happier versions of themselves.. I loved the trust and faith they had in each other.. omg this is such a gorgeous book.. I can’t even.. Ughh
This entire series has been bloody brilliantly.. I’ve enjoyed it so much.. I applaud the author for such an amazing series.. this one is very close to my heart.. heart melting fluff and amazing happy ever after stories.. ❤️
I love that an agoraphobic Jaden meets Henry, a stealth trans man.. I love that it was fate that brought them together and how perfect they are for each other. How they both help the other become stronger happier versions of themselves.. I loved the trust and faith they had in each other.. omg this is such a gorgeous book.. I can’t even.. Ughh
This entire series has been bloody brilliantly.. I’ve enjoyed it so much.. I applaud the author for such an amazing series.. this one is very close to my heart.. heart melting fluff and amazing happy ever after stories.. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
Rating 4.5 stars.
Beautiful feel good romance.
This wonderfully talented author has delivered a well crafted story, written with great sensitivity, that just flows along at the perfect pace that kept me turning the pages.
Henry and Jaden are very likeable, have instant chemistry and share some sweet tender moments before jumping into the steamy times. Both characters are well developed and it’s lovely watching their growth as the story evolves. They both have hurdles to overcome and these aren’t quickly glossed over and easily solved. What they are is a part of their HEA.
This is a low angst feel good romance about living your authentic life the best you can.
This can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it.
Beautiful feel good romance.
This wonderfully talented author has delivered a well crafted story, written with great sensitivity, that just flows along at the perfect pace that kept me turning the pages.
Henry and Jaden are very likeable, have instant chemistry and share some sweet tender moments before jumping into the steamy times. Both characters are well developed and it’s lovely watching their growth as the story evolves. They both have hurdles to overcome and these aren’t quickly glossed over and easily solved. What they are is a part of their HEA.
This is a low angst feel good romance about living your authentic life the best you can.
This can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it.
June 18, 2020
Jaden is surrendering to his demons. Afraid of the outside world, he seldom leaves his small apartment. Henry if transgender. He also has his demons but is coping better than Jaden. When they go on a blind date both men let their fear go a little.
This was a lovely story. I’d normally call it insta love but the relationship felt more organic than that. I really liked how they became each other’s “other”. Jaden slowly letting go of the past and Henry finally embracing his future.
I’ve not read a book about a completed bottom surgery so it lead to some research. The author took a topic that is very complex and intense and treated it so much respect. I’d even say this book was joyful, even with all the angst the characters carried.
I received an arc of this book.
This was a lovely story. I’d normally call it insta love but the relationship felt more organic than that. I really liked how they became each other’s “other”. Jaden slowly letting go of the past and Henry finally embracing his future.
I’ve not read a book about a completed bottom surgery so it lead to some research. The author took a topic that is very complex and intense and treated it so much respect. I’d even say this book was joyful, even with all the angst the characters carried.
I received an arc of this book.
July 5, 2020
I loved this book so much. Jaden has agoraphobia and is working hard to regain his life. When he wins a blind date with Henry a new chapter opens for both of them. Henry has been hiding the fact that he is trans from everyone in the new life he has built for himself. However, seeing Jaden battle his illness when they meet the pair bond straight away and Henry finds the strength to be vulnerable with him. I loved so much about this book, especially the fact even though it tackles some really difficult issues. It remains so positive the whole way through in a way that I have never experienced in any other book. Both men have a quiet strength that really shines through. Such a beautiful book and a really sweet love story. I highly recommend it and I wish I could give it more stars
April 4, 2021
My very first mm romance involving a trans man, I was quite excited to read it and see how an author would deal with it, make it into a wonderful story of discovery for him. It was kind of amazing to get inside of the head and thoughts of a trans man and understand their journey, struggles, and fears. Henry is such an incredible, grounded character but he still, after the ten years of his blossoming, had his moments of self doubt. He is both excited but nervous about the, kind of, blind date, it was a dating raffle that both were urged into by their friends. Jaden suffers from extreme agoraphobia after a nervous breakdown and is terrified of not only going outside but meeting and talking with a stranger. Absolutely an amazing story, so gently written.
June 24, 2020
I loved Freedom, it was such a great story. I enjoyed all aspects and I loved that Jaden and Henry both had things they were dealing with and I liked how they worked things out. The pace was great, easy to read, it was interesting, steamy, sexy and a whole lot of sweet. I really liked the peek into both of their lives. I never save quotes from a story, but I am this time, I just loved it.
“I don’t know what it’s like on that side of the fence. But I know that if you’re carrying around other people’s shame, you don’t have room for your own joy. Glory. Even freedom.”
I definitely recommend this book and will be checking out the other books in the F-Word Series.
“I don’t know what it’s like on that side of the fence. But I know that if you’re carrying around other people’s shame, you don’t have room for your own joy. Glory. Even freedom.”
I definitely recommend this book and will be checking out the other books in the F-Word Series.
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