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Boy Next Door #1
On the Right Track
Ru Nakimura was a boy band superstar until his ex-boyfriend outed him. Now he’s in hiding in the Midwest to avoid the press and the ensuing storm of judgment. He never expected his dream guy would be a high school jock that he meets at a small-town library.
Adam Corbin is a high school football star on the verge of graduation. He has big plans of escaping his small town and living life unafraid of being a gay man. However, seeing how his openly gay friend has been treated, Adam stays away from socializing, and focuses on fading into the background to avoid exposure. The last thing he wants is to have everyone examining his life.
When Adam and Ru have a chance encounter sparks fly. Ru wonders if it’s okay for him to still be a musician and openly love another man. And Adam dreams of finding the courage to love openly even if doing so brings his life into the limelight. Will their love survive the scrutiny of the world?
Note: This book was previously published under the pen name Sam Kadence. Content has not changed.
Adam Corbin is a high school football star on the verge of graduation. He has big plans of escaping his small town and living life unafraid of being a gay man. However, seeing how his openly gay friend has been treated, Adam stays away from socializing, and focuses on fading into the background to avoid exposure. The last thing he wants is to have everyone examining his life.
When Adam and Ru have a chance encounter sparks fly. Ru wonders if it’s okay for him to still be a musician and openly love another man. And Adam dreams of finding the courage to love openly even if doing so brings his life into the limelight. Will their love survive the scrutiny of the world?
Note: This book was previously published under the pen name Sam Kadence. Content has not changed.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2013
15 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Sam Kadence
6 books55 followersSam Kadence has always dreamed about being someone else, somewhere else. With very little musical talent, Sam decided the only way to make those dreams come true was to try everything from cosplay at the local anime conventions to writing novels about pretending to run away to become a musician.
Sam has a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, sells textbooks for a living, enjoys taking photographs of Asian Ball Joint Dolls to tell more stories, and has eclectic taste in music from J-pop to rock and country. All of which finds its way into the books eventually.
Email: samkadence.author@gmail.com
Sam has a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing, sells textbooks for a living, enjoys taking photographs of Asian Ball Joint Dolls to tell more stories, and has eclectic taste in music from J-pop to rock and country. All of which finds its way into the books eventually.
Email: samkadence.author@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 10, 2013
I'm not a huge YA fan, but I like it on occasion. I've enjoyed this authors non-YA books and a friend who had read this one said she really enjoyed it, so I bought it.
I'm glad I did.
Adam is 16 and he's a bit 'perfect', he's a good student, a really nice guy, has a good heart and he s naive in a lot of ways. He's also a great son, his parents restrict his Internet access a lot and he's not allowed FB, which honestly is admirable and but shocking that he's totally ok with that. He also has never
I like him, a lot.
Ru is 17 and a big star, being hounded by the press since his ex sold him to the paparazzi and he lost his place in the boy band.
He's got it all, if you don't look closely, but he's all alone except for his friend Tommy, he has no family, no support. He's lonely and he is still so young and is being eaten alive by the press.
They meet and fall for each other. It's sweet, it really is. Is it realistic? Probably not, but who cares?
There is some drama with an ex and there are some homophobes, But the moral of the story is told well and it's an uplifting, happy and feel good read that ended far too soon for me.
I'd love more of these two and I really really want Bas to get his HEA!
I'm glad I did.
Adam is 16 and he's a bit 'perfect', he's a good student, a really nice guy, has a good heart and he s naive in a lot of ways. He's also a great son, his parents restrict his Internet access a lot and he's not allowed FB, which honestly is admirable and but shocking that he's totally ok with that. He also has never
I like him, a lot.
Ru is 17 and a big star, being hounded by the press since his ex sold him to the paparazzi and he lost his place in the boy band.
He's got it all, if you don't look closely, but he's all alone except for his friend Tommy, he has no family, no support. He's lonely and he is still so young and is being eaten alive by the press.
They meet and fall for each other. It's sweet, it really is. Is it realistic? Probably not, but who cares?
There is some drama with an ex and there are some homophobes, But the moral of the story is told well and it's an uplifting, happy and feel good read that ended far too soon for me.
I'd love more of these two and I really really want Bas to get his HEA!
Read
July 19, 2013I wrote it.
August 15, 2013
5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Ru is seventeen and already knows the pitfalls of fame, as a member of a boy band he was dumped by his band and his record company when his then lover outed him. Ru is in Minnesota to lay low while he writes songs for his solo career and comes across a beautiful young man in a library, a young man who doesn't know who he is and makes him feel like a teenager he really is. Adam is sixteen and is perfectly happy to keep his head down and coast through school, when he meets a gorgeous young man in the library he is both scared and excited and finally seizes the chance to be his true self with another person. Both young men come to realize that to be together they need courage and love.
This story is amazing, it isn't the usual rock-star story but a story of two teenagers who have grown up in different surroundings and finding a youthful love. Ru has been through some difficult times since he was outed, hounded by the media his ex living off the fame and the only friend he really has is Tommy his ex-band mate. When he meets Adam he falls for the wonderful boy and try's to spend as much time getting to know him, but keeps hidden his fame. Adam knows the truth of being gay where he lives, he has seen his friend Bas badly beaten after he came out and Adam is scared to death of the same thing if anyone found out about him. Meeting Ru has him being himself, he discovers more confidence in himself and when he is outed himself he confronts his bullies head on.
I was so impressed with this story that I re-read it immediately after I finished it, and I still loved every word in it. This story is so much more than just two young men meeting and falling in love, it's about the family and support you have and the friends who are true friends. It's about finding the courage to hold your head up high in spite of the insults and abuse, and that no matter what your position in life bullies are still bullies. We feel drawn to the boys in this story as we get to know them and their fears, we see how they become confident and how they rely on each other for support. The supporting characters are wonderful with Tommy being the big brother that Ru desperately needs and Bas being an incredible role model and friend to Adam.
There are many things in this story that will tug at your heart, not least of which is Bas' speech that will hit you in the heart and bring tears to your eyes. The story is wonderfully written, the storyline is interesting and holds your attention, but, it is the characters and what they are going through that makes you love this book. The fear, depression, anger, hope, love, joy, understanding and confidence are just some of the emotions that Ru and Adam experience and you experience it with them.
I have absolutely no choice but to recommend that everyone read this, and if you know a young gay man or a support group then donate a copy because this story might just give them hope that they are not alone.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Ru is seventeen and already knows the pitfalls of fame, as a member of a boy band he was dumped by his band and his record company when his then lover outed him. Ru is in Minnesota to lay low while he writes songs for his solo career and comes across a beautiful young man in a library, a young man who doesn't know who he is and makes him feel like a teenager he really is. Adam is sixteen and is perfectly happy to keep his head down and coast through school, when he meets a gorgeous young man in the library he is both scared and excited and finally seizes the chance to be his true self with another person. Both young men come to realize that to be together they need courage and love.
This story is amazing, it isn't the usual rock-star story but a story of two teenagers who have grown up in different surroundings and finding a youthful love. Ru has been through some difficult times since he was outed, hounded by the media his ex living off the fame and the only friend he really has is Tommy his ex-band mate. When he meets Adam he falls for the wonderful boy and try's to spend as much time getting to know him, but keeps hidden his fame. Adam knows the truth of being gay where he lives, he has seen his friend Bas badly beaten after he came out and Adam is scared to death of the same thing if anyone found out about him. Meeting Ru has him being himself, he discovers more confidence in himself and when he is outed himself he confronts his bullies head on.
I was so impressed with this story that I re-read it immediately after I finished it, and I still loved every word in it. This story is so much more than just two young men meeting and falling in love, it's about the family and support you have and the friends who are true friends. It's about finding the courage to hold your head up high in spite of the insults and abuse, and that no matter what your position in life bullies are still bullies. We feel drawn to the boys in this story as we get to know them and their fears, we see how they become confident and how they rely on each other for support. The supporting characters are wonderful with Tommy being the big brother that Ru desperately needs and Bas being an incredible role model and friend to Adam.
There are many things in this story that will tug at your heart, not least of which is Bas' speech that will hit you in the heart and bring tears to your eyes. The story is wonderfully written, the storyline is interesting and holds your attention, but, it is the characters and what they are going through that makes you love this book. The fear, depression, anger, hope, love, joy, understanding and confidence are just some of the emotions that Ru and Adam experience and you experience it with them.
I have absolutely no choice but to recommend that everyone read this, and if you know a young gay man or a support group then donate a copy because this story might just give them hope that they are not alone.
August 15, 2013
I pretty much devoured this. Yep, it's YA, and so the smexy is very much non-existent and just plain adorably sweet (and very innocent), but the two main characters are really well developed and grow considerably over the course of the novel.
Ru is the more experienced cynical one. He's been hurt, and constantly living in the public eye has drained him of his youthful optimism.
On the other hand, Adam is a total innocent. He's never been interested in anything romantic or sexual, and his parents' guidance of his access to the internet has meant he is unaware of Ru's fame and fortune.
I liked the dual narratives. Their voices are quite different, and although they fall madly in love too quickly, too intensely, it does feel right, given how young they are.
What I really loved was the way the two boys had such great support mechanisms around them - Tommy is crucial for Ru's self-esteem and Adam's parents are completely perfect (too unrealistic? I really hope not). Bas is a doll and we are introduced to Michelle late in the story, and I wish we could have met her sooner.
Interestingly, there are big bads on both sides - a nasty piece of work on Adam's side who is nicely flagged, so when he flips, it's not unexpected and ups the tension, since prior to this, it's all a bit lovely between the boys.
On Ru's side, AJ & Kris are positioned as horrible right from the beginning, and their efforts to hinder Ru's both professional and personal happiness ensures everything doesn't always work out.
I didn't really like the boys being referenced as 'the younger man', and 'the older boy', but that's just nit-picking.
Sweet, but nicely controlled. Not too overly sentimental or cheesy, I can see me rereading this.
Ru is the more experienced cynical one. He's been hurt, and constantly living in the public eye has drained him of his youthful optimism.
On the other hand, Adam is a total innocent. He's never been interested in anything romantic or sexual, and his parents' guidance of his access to the internet has meant he is unaware of Ru's fame and fortune.
I liked the dual narratives. Their voices are quite different, and although they fall madly in love too quickly, too intensely, it does feel right, given how young they are.
What I really loved was the way the two boys had such great support mechanisms around them - Tommy is crucial for Ru's self-esteem and Adam's parents are completely perfect (too unrealistic? I really hope not). Bas is a doll and we are introduced to Michelle late in the story, and I wish we could have met her sooner.
Interestingly, there are big bads on both sides - a nasty piece of work on Adam's side who is nicely flagged, so when he flips, it's not unexpected and ups the tension, since prior to this, it's all a bit lovely between the boys.
On Ru's side, AJ & Kris are positioned as horrible right from the beginning, and their efforts to hinder Ru's both professional and personal happiness ensures everything doesn't always work out.
I didn't really like the boys being referenced as 'the younger man', and 'the older boy', but that's just nit-picking.
Sweet, but nicely controlled. Not too overly sentimental or cheesy, I can see me rereading this.
September 10, 2013
This book is a must read for any LGBTQ youth you know. I would recommend this book for many reasons. There is a theme throughout the story of acceptance. I believe that Sebastian is one of the strongest characters in the book. This boy has his stuff TOGETHER. He is out and proud and he won’t let anyone scare him back into the closet. Near the end of the book, Sebastian gives a speech at the school that made me bawl like a baby. As much as Adam thought he was invisible, he was at least one person’s hero. The thing I really loved was the simple idea that just being nice to someone that everyone else shuns could save a life. Accepting someone for who they are, no strings attached, can make you shine and can make someone else feel like a million bucks. It can pull them back from the edge you didn’t know they were teetering on.
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
You can read the rest of Jackie's review at The Novel Approach
August 18, 2013
I have been reading quite a few young adult books lately and I admit I had to sit back and think about my teen years and how my own child, who is a teen, sees the world. In some ways it is very different but some things are the same. Everything is larger than life, every new experience is as if you are the first to have ever experienced it, fear of being who you are and if you will be accepted, finding that place where you fit in, experiencing love.
On the Right Track takes us into that world. It is different in that the characters may not be ones we can personally relate to on all levels but those things we all feel and experience as young adults is very much the same.
To read the full review please go to:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
On the Right Track takes us into that world. It is different in that the characters may not be ones we can personally relate to on all levels but those things we all feel and experience as young adults is very much the same.
To read the full review please go to:
http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
August 16, 2013
I loved Ru and Adam!! And I must not forget Tommy and Bas! I was very disappointed when it ended :( can I get a sequel?!!
August 18, 2013
4 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I have been reading quite a few young adult books lately and I admit I had to sit back and think about my teen years and how my own child, who is a teen, sees the world. In some ways it is very different but some things are the same. Everything is larger than life, every new experience is as if you are the first to have ever experienced it, fear of being who you are and if you will be accepted, finding that place where you fit in, experiencing love.
On the Right Track takes us into that world but also adds to it a young man who has not had a “normal” childhood, practically no childhood at all. Ryunoski Nakimura is seventeen and has recently gone from being on top of the world as part of a very popular boy band, Vocal Growth, to being scandalized when he was outed by his boyfriend, Kris, whom he had trusted. Being “released” from his contract with the band and ending up the focus of some very negative publicity has taken its toll on him. Although his father had prepared him for stardom from a very young age with music lessons and private tutoring, Ru has been on his own for a while now. His father had abandoned him when, at eleven years old, Ru told his father that he was gay. As he grows and strives to become a bigger star than even his father had imagined, he still has no family support. His mother is more interested in jetsetting with her new boyfriend than being there for Ru. He had thought Kris had loved him but realized it was just his fame that he loved.
Tommy, Ru’s best friend and fellow band member, convinces him to spend some time out of the limelight at Tommy’s apartment in Minnesota. Ru is depressed and has not been able to write any songs since Kris’s betrayal. One afternoon, Ru goes to a local library on a small college campus. This campus is next to a high school that also shares the library. While reading in a quiet area of the library, Ru notices a young man with pale blonde hair and large dark brown eyes has come to work at a computer in his area. He is drawn to him and they share shy glances. When the young man leaves to go to the circulation desk, Ru leaves his name and phone number in the young man’s folder. He is hopeful that maybe he will call.
Adam Corbin is a junior in high school. He is sixteen, athletic, shy and just trying to fit in and stay unnoticed until he can graduate. Adam is also gay. He decided it is safer to not come out after seeing one of his friends, Sebastian Axelrod, or “Bas” as everyone calls him, severely beaten in one of the school bathrooms. Adam found him and called for help. Sebastian is openly gay and has had to take a lot of abuse for just being himself. Adam remains friends with Bas but keeps a certain amount of distance for fear of what could happen to him.
After Tommy sets things in motion with a text to Adam from Ru’s phone, the young men agree to meet for dinner. Ru decides not to tell Adam who he is for fear he will turn Ru away.
The connection is quick and emotions intense and very reminiscent of how it feels to fall in love for the first time. Adam is innocent and has never had a date or even been kissed. Until now there has never been anyone that has held his interest. He is also pretty level-headed for his age and lets Ru know that he is not ready to move quickly. Ru is more experienced and sometimes behaves as if he is much older; though there are times his reactions to situations and his insecurities remind us that he is still just seventeen. Adams parents are very strict with his internet access and by not having access to this we are led to believe that Adam has never seen or heard of Vocal Growth. Ru wants to tell Adam who he is, but he keeps waiting for the right time. He is enjoying being with someone who likes him for himself, not his fame. Adam is also not sharing this new relationship with anyone for fear he will be outed at school and face the repercussions like his friend, Bas, did.
Adams parents are those parents that, when we were teens, we wish we had. They love Adam unconditionally; they are accepting that he is gay and willing to compromise with Adam on the limits of his and Ru’s relationship. Adam has an open and honest relationship with his parents and the communication makes it work.
When a situation leads to Adam being outed on a social media network, he and Ru must make some decisions regarding their relationship and how they want the world to see them and what it means to stand up for yourself.
I enjoyed On the Right Track very much. It addresses bullying, friendship, first love, what society puts children through every day and how hard it is to deal with it, especially if you have people telling you that there is something wrong with you and, in Sebastian’s case, taking it to a physical level of violence. There really is a minimal amount of angst and a mix of supportive and non supportive characters surrounding the main characters. Real life might not always work out like it did for Ru and Adam, but I enjoyed feeling like it could and sharing the hopefulness of youth.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I have been reading quite a few young adult books lately and I admit I had to sit back and think about my teen years and how my own child, who is a teen, sees the world. In some ways it is very different but some things are the same. Everything is larger than life, every new experience is as if you are the first to have ever experienced it, fear of being who you are and if you will be accepted, finding that place where you fit in, experiencing love.
On the Right Track takes us into that world but also adds to it a young man who has not had a “normal” childhood, practically no childhood at all. Ryunoski Nakimura is seventeen and has recently gone from being on top of the world as part of a very popular boy band, Vocal Growth, to being scandalized when he was outed by his boyfriend, Kris, whom he had trusted. Being “released” from his contract with the band and ending up the focus of some very negative publicity has taken its toll on him. Although his father had prepared him for stardom from a very young age with music lessons and private tutoring, Ru has been on his own for a while now. His father had abandoned him when, at eleven years old, Ru told his father that he was gay. As he grows and strives to become a bigger star than even his father had imagined, he still has no family support. His mother is more interested in jetsetting with her new boyfriend than being there for Ru. He had thought Kris had loved him but realized it was just his fame that he loved.
Tommy, Ru’s best friend and fellow band member, convinces him to spend some time out of the limelight at Tommy’s apartment in Minnesota. Ru is depressed and has not been able to write any songs since Kris’s betrayal. One afternoon, Ru goes to a local library on a small college campus. This campus is next to a high school that also shares the library. While reading in a quiet area of the library, Ru notices a young man with pale blonde hair and large dark brown eyes has come to work at a computer in his area. He is drawn to him and they share shy glances. When the young man leaves to go to the circulation desk, Ru leaves his name and phone number in the young man’s folder. He is hopeful that maybe he will call.
Adam Corbin is a junior in high school. He is sixteen, athletic, shy and just trying to fit in and stay unnoticed until he can graduate. Adam is also gay. He decided it is safer to not come out after seeing one of his friends, Sebastian Axelrod, or “Bas” as everyone calls him, severely beaten in one of the school bathrooms. Adam found him and called for help. Sebastian is openly gay and has had to take a lot of abuse for just being himself. Adam remains friends with Bas but keeps a certain amount of distance for fear of what could happen to him.
After Tommy sets things in motion with a text to Adam from Ru’s phone, the young men agree to meet for dinner. Ru decides not to tell Adam who he is for fear he will turn Ru away.
The connection is quick and emotions intense and very reminiscent of how it feels to fall in love for the first time. Adam is innocent and has never had a date or even been kissed. Until now there has never been anyone that has held his interest. He is also pretty level-headed for his age and lets Ru know that he is not ready to move quickly. Ru is more experienced and sometimes behaves as if he is much older; though there are times his reactions to situations and his insecurities remind us that he is still just seventeen. Adams parents are very strict with his internet access and by not having access to this we are led to believe that Adam has never seen or heard of Vocal Growth. Ru wants to tell Adam who he is, but he keeps waiting for the right time. He is enjoying being with someone who likes him for himself, not his fame. Adam is also not sharing this new relationship with anyone for fear he will be outed at school and face the repercussions like his friend, Bas, did.
Adams parents are those parents that, when we were teens, we wish we had. They love Adam unconditionally; they are accepting that he is gay and willing to compromise with Adam on the limits of his and Ru’s relationship. Adam has an open and honest relationship with his parents and the communication makes it work.
When a situation leads to Adam being outed on a social media network, he and Ru must make some decisions regarding their relationship and how they want the world to see them and what it means to stand up for yourself.
I enjoyed On the Right Track very much. It addresses bullying, friendship, first love, what society puts children through every day and how hard it is to deal with it, especially if you have people telling you that there is something wrong with you and, in Sebastian’s case, taking it to a physical level of violence. There really is a minimal amount of angst and a mix of supportive and non supportive characters surrounding the main characters. Real life might not always work out like it did for Ru and Adam, but I enjoyed feeling like it could and sharing the hopefulness of youth.
January 2, 2016
Michael Stellman delivers another terrific performance. I loved the narration, and was kept engaged and interested throughout the story and a maybe even a little sad to see it end.
I like Young Adult stories...the hormones and the craziness of that time in our lives when everything was SO MUCH! I can't say I loved the story because, frankly, the story was just a smidgeon too over the top. This is like Romeo and Juliet without the crazy feud and suicide. Or the marriage, or the...
Okay, so it's not like Romeo and Juliet except they're both super young and fall instantly in love upon seeing each other and become way too dependent on each other.
Anyway...it's a sweet story overall, though there were some parts that bothered me...
The story glosses over quite a bit, and then gives what I found to be a rather abrupt ending. I would have liked to have found out what happened with quite a few points...
On the whole the excellent narration keeps it from becoming too saccharine sweet and kept me from thinking too long on the spoiler points, and overall it has a good, if heavy-handed, anti-bullying message.
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave
January 7, 2014
This was just soo lovely! a complete joy to read ♥ from the first to the last page! It's probably one of the sweetest YA reads I have read ♥
Both boys are just oh-my-god-i-cant-believe it sweet!
On the Right Track is a bit an unusual story and reminds me of something you most definitely find in Manga. Even though Ru is obviously part Japanese there is absolutely nothing Japanese about the book. It's pretty much about all American boy band stuff and the horrors of being popular especially at a very young age where you just can't be yourself and do whateverthehellyoulike. Because someone is always keeping track, especially those who want something from you.
It starts with Ru trying to figure out how to continue "living" after a bunch of terrible events that practically ruined everything he had, or so he thought.
It's like fate's little sweet plan when Adam and Ru meet in a library where neither really "belong"♥ Both are shy and insecure for different reasons but nevertheless Ru leaves his phone number on Adam's table while he's gone and hopes he will get in touch...
After spending a wonderful time together the awaited "Oh no they didn't!" went down and without a lot of fussing, everyone works out their "issues" and things work out perfectly fine! I really enjoyed that. Sometimes the MC's tend to overdo their anger or whatever it is that arises.
Sometimes I think you just know whether you can trust one certain person and it's stupid to make a huge fuss when it isn't really necessary. So yeah, that was definitely a wonderful and sweet, drama-free and educational story - highly recommended ♥ especially to young people :)
Both boys are just oh-my-god-i-cant-believe it sweet!
On the Right Track is a bit an unusual story and reminds me of something you most definitely find in Manga. Even though Ru is obviously part Japanese there is absolutely nothing Japanese about the book. It's pretty much about all American boy band stuff and the horrors of being popular especially at a very young age where you just can't be yourself and do whateverthehellyoulike. Because someone is always keeping track, especially those who want something from you.
It starts with Ru trying to figure out how to continue "living" after a bunch of terrible events that practically ruined everything he had, or so he thought.
It's like fate's little sweet plan when Adam and Ru meet in a library where neither really "belong"♥ Both are shy and insecure for different reasons but nevertheless Ru leaves his phone number on Adam's table while he's gone and hopes he will get in touch...
After spending a wonderful time together the awaited "Oh no they didn't!" went down and without a lot of fussing, everyone works out their "issues" and things work out perfectly fine! I really enjoyed that. Sometimes the MC's tend to overdo their anger or whatever it is that arises.
Sometimes I think you just know whether you can trust one certain person and it's stupid to make a huge fuss when it isn't really necessary. So yeah, that was definitely a wonderful and sweet, drama-free and educational story - highly recommended ♥ especially to young people :)
August 4, 2015
This is very painful to write. Ok, I
loved
this book and could not put it down until page 165. Adam's wrist was broken on Friday night at the high school football game. Somehow, he's able to write and edit two articles for the school newspaper even though he's on drugs and wearing a cast on his dominant hand. Oh, and spending a considerable amount of time with his boyfriend, Ru. That's pushing it, but still I might have only docked one star for that. Then, Monday morning when he goes back to school,
“Adam opened his locker and pulled out just a folder and some paper, since he’d be going to an assembly right away. Maybe he could do some writing in Advisory.”
“He opened his folder and began to write about Bas, his odd humor, and how uplifting it could be. His pen moved with little coaxing, and soon he had nearly two pages, and the classroom was starting to fill up.”
Writing. Two pages. With a cast on his writing hand. No. Just. No.
I had to go into what I call my very own type of sub space. You know the book is totally out there in fantasy land, but it’s well written and the fluffy cheesy goodness is calling to you. Neither the insta love nor the other parts of the plot that were less than real bothered me like the writing with a cast on your hand. I probably shouldn’t be so offended, but I was. I really loved it to that point. So sad.
“Adam opened his locker and pulled out just a folder and some paper, since he’d be going to an assembly right away. Maybe he could do some writing in Advisory.”
“He opened his folder and began to write about Bas, his odd humor, and how uplifting it could be. His pen moved with little coaxing, and soon he had nearly two pages, and the classroom was starting to fill up.”
Writing. Two pages. With a cast on his writing hand. No. Just. No.
I had to go into what I call my very own type of sub space. You know the book is totally out there in fantasy land, but it’s well written and the fluffy cheesy goodness is calling to you. Neither the insta love nor the other parts of the plot that were less than real bothered me like the writing with a cast on your hand. I probably shouldn’t be so offended, but I was. I really loved it to that point. So sad.
September 4, 2013
3.5 stars - This was a sweet YA read. It's pretty low on angst and there is very little drama. I liked the message of the book and how it dealt with issue of homophobic bullying, which many of its young readers might be facing. It's a good read for teens, although I did think it was a bit too fluffy and sweet in places. Still, I enjoyed it for what it was and I'd love to read more by this author.
August 31, 2013
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
Ru was the talented one in a boy band until a photo of him kissing his boyfriend was made public and he was not only tossed from the band but the boyfriend who orchestrated the outing was then photographed cheating on him. A rich man at 17 and old beyond his years, Ru has gone to a friend’s condo in Minnesota, a town where he has an uncle, to lick his wounds and regroup for a solo effort. He has the skills and the talent but he is just so lonely. His father, the force that pushed Ru to go further, more, never enough, abruptly left when Ru (at age 11) announced he was gay. Mom stayed around long enough to get the money but that’s about it. Ru doesn’t have anyone and it’s hard for him to trust now. Ru thought he had a family in his friends but realizes they weren’t real. He does a lot of work for LGBT causes now, appearances, songs and such. It is here that he begins to find how much he contributes. I liked the hope that is here, that every bullied kid can find inspiration from somewhere.
Adam is a football player in Minnesota who would rather run than tackle. He is quiet and just wants to blend in and be unnoticed. He’s gay and he knows it but is not willing to commit the “social suicide” of coming out at school. He has a friend who is out and proud, Bas (oh man, did I love the character of Bas, “all glitter and smiles”), and knows what Bas has gone through. He even distanced himself from Bas, afraid of what others would do to him. When he catches a glimpse of Ru at the library, he is interested but shy, not sure what even to do.
And so begins the story of Adam and Ru. It’s a lovely story. Adam’s parents are truly involved, caring parents and they monitor Adam’s internet usage. This means Adam has no idea who Ru is as they get to know each other.
Ru does have an amazing friend in Tommy, one of his former bandmates (and the owner of the condo Ru is staying at). Tommy is a seriously loyal person and he’s always there for Ru. He’s a little older and he cares for Ru as a big brother would, including making him get out there.
There is conflict in the form of Adam’s teammate, Nate, and of course the fact that Ru isn’t forthcoming as to who he really is. You just know this is going to come back and slap him and of course it does. You have to keep remembering that no matter how long Ru has been working and traveling, how much money he has, he really is only 17. He hasn’t attended regular school since he was a small child and he has been betrayed by nearly everyone he knows. It makes it difficult for him.
There is an assembly, with a speech made by Bas. This was so sad, hopeful and touching because despite being beaten on, Bas definitely isn’t beaten down. He is proud of who he is and he has been almost broken. He knows how hard it is. He appreciates the difference just one kind person can make. He’s a great friend for Adam. I want him to have his story (hint) .
The story is the story of Adam and Ru but more importantly for me, it was the story of Adam and the story of Ru. They seemed like individuals, which made it even better.
The greatest sentence in this book for me personally is something I wish every teen would understand. “Baby boy, you are exactly as you are supposed to be. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.” A message so important and so hard to grasp sometimes.
Ru was the talented one in a boy band until a photo of him kissing his boyfriend was made public and he was not only tossed from the band but the boyfriend who orchestrated the outing was then photographed cheating on him. A rich man at 17 and old beyond his years, Ru has gone to a friend’s condo in Minnesota, a town where he has an uncle, to lick his wounds and regroup for a solo effort. He has the skills and the talent but he is just so lonely. His father, the force that pushed Ru to go further, more, never enough, abruptly left when Ru (at age 11) announced he was gay. Mom stayed around long enough to get the money but that’s about it. Ru doesn’t have anyone and it’s hard for him to trust now. Ru thought he had a family in his friends but realizes they weren’t real. He does a lot of work for LGBT causes now, appearances, songs and such. It is here that he begins to find how much he contributes. I liked the hope that is here, that every bullied kid can find inspiration from somewhere.
Adam is a football player in Minnesota who would rather run than tackle. He is quiet and just wants to blend in and be unnoticed. He’s gay and he knows it but is not willing to commit the “social suicide” of coming out at school. He has a friend who is out and proud, Bas (oh man, did I love the character of Bas, “all glitter and smiles”), and knows what Bas has gone through. He even distanced himself from Bas, afraid of what others would do to him. When he catches a glimpse of Ru at the library, he is interested but shy, not sure what even to do.
And so begins the story of Adam and Ru. It’s a lovely story. Adam’s parents are truly involved, caring parents and they monitor Adam’s internet usage. This means Adam has no idea who Ru is as they get to know each other.
Ru does have an amazing friend in Tommy, one of his former bandmates (and the owner of the condo Ru is staying at). Tommy is a seriously loyal person and he’s always there for Ru. He’s a little older and he cares for Ru as a big brother would, including making him get out there.
There is conflict in the form of Adam’s teammate, Nate, and of course the fact that Ru isn’t forthcoming as to who he really is. You just know this is going to come back and slap him and of course it does. You have to keep remembering that no matter how long Ru has been working and traveling, how much money he has, he really is only 17. He hasn’t attended regular school since he was a small child and he has been betrayed by nearly everyone he knows. It makes it difficult for him.
There is an assembly, with a speech made by Bas. This was so sad, hopeful and touching because despite being beaten on, Bas definitely isn’t beaten down. He is proud of who he is and he has been almost broken. He knows how hard it is. He appreciates the difference just one kind person can make. He’s a great friend for Adam. I want him to have his story (hint) .
The story is the story of Adam and Ru but more importantly for me, it was the story of Adam and the story of Ru. They seemed like individuals, which made it even better.
The greatest sentence in this book for me personally is something I wish every teen would understand. “Baby boy, you are exactly as you are supposed to be. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.” A message so important and so hard to grasp sometimes.
April 26, 2021
4.5 Stars ~ Lissa Kasey has written young adult, a genre I’ve told her I’m not particularly fond of, although, somehow, I keep getting them, and I’ve read some real great ones this past year. However, in order to read book two in this series, which has such a wonderful title, I needed to read ‘On The Right Track’. So, here I am, jumping into Ru and Adam’s world.
Ru was a member of a pop, boy band, until his then-boyfriend, outed him publicly. The ex needed a little fame for himself, not giving a crap what that meant to Ru. Between the jealous lead singer, and the record company, Ru was “released” from his contract with Vocal Growth.
After months of being stalked by the media, Ru moves to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, where his best friend, and former band mate, Tommy, has a condo. Personally, I would’ve chosen Fiji, but, hey, to each his own. *grins* As luck, and fate, would have it, Ru meets Adam, who doesn’t seem to recognize him, in the library, and, maybe, just maybe, there’s more life for Ru to live at seventeen.
Adam is sixteen, and a junior. He’s not out. In fact, he has definitely fallen into the trap of hiding who you are. For starters, he’s on the football team, even though he hates it. He doesn’t date, and sometimes he wonders if there’s something wrong with him, since he doesn’t ever think about sex. I mean, he’s sixteen, shouldn’t he be obsessed with it? Adam’s closest friend is Bas, a very out and proud young man, but Adam backed away from Bas, a little, when he came out, for fear of being lumped in with him. Bas was, actually, severely beaten right after coming out, and Adam’s had a hard time forgetting that. Although, the more he gets to know Ru, and start to accept what’s inside him, the closer he gets to Bas, and the more confident he becomes in himself.
I adored getting to know Ru and Adam. They may be young, chronologically, but, in many ways, they are both far too mature, and grown up, than they should be. The author has written a heartwarming story about acceptance, in all of its many forms, and I truly enjoyed it. Why, then, didn’t I give it the full five stars? Well, mostly because, at their young ages, there were times when they really did behave much older, and, for me, it came across as slightly unrealistic. The secondary characters of Tommy, Bas, and, even, Adam’s parents, were wonderful, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them.
Thank you, Lissa, a worthy story that I highly recommend!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
Ru was a member of a pop, boy band, until his then-boyfriend, outed him publicly. The ex needed a little fame for himself, not giving a crap what that meant to Ru. Between the jealous lead singer, and the record company, Ru was “released” from his contract with Vocal Growth.
After months of being stalked by the media, Ru moves to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, where his best friend, and former band mate, Tommy, has a condo. Personally, I would’ve chosen Fiji, but, hey, to each his own. *grins* As luck, and fate, would have it, Ru meets Adam, who doesn’t seem to recognize him, in the library, and, maybe, just maybe, there’s more life for Ru to live at seventeen.
Adam is sixteen, and a junior. He’s not out. In fact, he has definitely fallen into the trap of hiding who you are. For starters, he’s on the football team, even though he hates it. He doesn’t date, and sometimes he wonders if there’s something wrong with him, since he doesn’t ever think about sex. I mean, he’s sixteen, shouldn’t he be obsessed with it? Adam’s closest friend is Bas, a very out and proud young man, but Adam backed away from Bas, a little, when he came out, for fear of being lumped in with him. Bas was, actually, severely beaten right after coming out, and Adam’s had a hard time forgetting that. Although, the more he gets to know Ru, and start to accept what’s inside him, the closer he gets to Bas, and the more confident he becomes in himself.
I adored getting to know Ru and Adam. They may be young, chronologically, but, in many ways, they are both far too mature, and grown up, than they should be. The author has written a heartwarming story about acceptance, in all of its many forms, and I truly enjoyed it. Why, then, didn’t I give it the full five stars? Well, mostly because, at their young ages, there were times when they really did behave much older, and, for me, it came across as slightly unrealistic. The secondary characters of Tommy, Bas, and, even, Adam’s parents, were wonderful, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them.
Thank you, Lissa, a worthy story that I highly recommend!
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest review.
September 25, 2016
Loved this book. Although there was a famous person, his celebrity status wasn't a huge focus. Which was nice. At times it was hard to remember that they are 16/17 years old. Maybe I"m a bit prudish, but I felt that at times, the kids were treated far too much like adults. But the story was great. The relationship between Adam and Ru was so sweet. It was wonderful and I love how they supported each other.
September 26, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. Adam and Ru we're adorably sweet and it's very low-angst. There was some minor drama from an ex-boyfriend, an ex-bandmate, and a school bully. There's a great overall message here, even though I feel like it was a bit unrealistic and heavy-handed at the end. I liked Bas and Tommy and Adam's parents were wonderful. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series.
I enjoyed this book. Adam and Ru we're adorably sweet and it's very low-angst. There was some minor drama from an ex-boyfriend, an ex-bandmate, and a school bully. There's a great overall message here, even though I feel like it was a bit unrealistic and heavy-handed at the end. I liked Bas and Tommy and Adam's parents were wonderful. I'm really looking forward to continuing the series.
March 14, 2017
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
Michael Stellman did an admirable job on the narration. He has a great vocalization for the YA/Teen genre. Some of the voices for the minor characters were a bit odd, but overall a decent narration job.
For the Complete Review please see http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
February 11, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
There was instalove and an ending that felt like a heavy-handed after school special (complete with a stage and a speech). Other than that, it was a sweet, heart-string tugging YA novel with two likable characters and a strong anti-bullying message.
There was instalove and an ending that felt like a heavy-handed after school special (complete with a stage and a speech). Other than that, it was a sweet, heart-string tugging YA novel with two likable characters and a strong anti-bullying message.
March 28, 2016
Overall book rating 4 sweet stars
Audio book: Narrator - Michael Stellman 4 stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
This was a beautiful sweet young adult book. I loved the plot and the characters.
Audio book: Narrator - Michael Stellman 4 stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
This was a beautiful sweet young adult book. I loved the plot and the characters.
July 17, 2014
Loved this book. It was so touching. The way it dealt with bullying and how it affects the youth was so important. Keep your tissues handy.
November 25, 2014
Review to come at the Novel Approach
August 19, 2013
4 1/2 stars..
February 8, 2018
3.7 Stars
A sweet young adult romance. The ending was a bit abrupt and I'm a little miffed at how things were (not really) resolved with the Boy Band..and how we only get 3rd party referenced consequences for the bullying and assault rampant in this school. I know the next book isn't about Ru & Adam but I hope there is some follow-up because, despite the almost 90210/Gossip Girl level of adulting going on here, the characters are only 16 & 17!!
Michael Stellman did a good enough job with the narration; no character voice differentiation or tension inflections to build drama...but his sound is definitely appropriate for the age of the MCs.
A sweet young adult romance. The ending was a bit abrupt and I'm a little miffed at how things were (not really) resolved with the Boy Band..and how we only get 3rd party referenced consequences for the bullying and assault rampant in this school. I know the next book isn't about Ru & Adam but I hope there is some follow-up because, despite the almost 90210/Gossip Girl level of adulting going on here, the characters are only 16 & 17!!
Michael Stellman did a good enough job with the narration; no character voice differentiation or tension inflections to build drama...but his sound is definitely appropriate for the age of the MCs.
Read
July 9, 2019that was painful. it's like they submitted the first draft for publishing and the publisher said "I'm not going to read this - send to print!"
May 15, 2020
This book was a nice surprise. It was more than just a cute pop star meets boy next door story. The characters were wonderfully written. The topic of bullying was also handled well. It was serious but it did not get too depressing. I loved the innocence of Adam and the gentle way Ru treated him. Adam’s parents were great; strict but still open-minded and supportive. A really endearing and touching story. I’m looking forward to reading Sebastian’s story next.
September 14, 2013
4.5 stars
There is a lot to be said for a good coming of age novel. When handled well, this type of story gives us a genuine window into the heart and mind of a young man who is on the cusp of a life-changing process, a ofttimes dangerous one that is fraught with the possibility of not only happiness and first love, but also leaving him open for the torture of a family who may cast him aside, a community that may hound and bully him and a life that ultimately could mean no friends and unbearable loneliness. All this, just because he will admit for the first time that he is gay. But, there is also the real possibility that this same young man will not lose everything and instead gain so very much.
In his novel, On the Right Track, author Sam Kadence opts to give us what I feel is not only a very realistic portrayal of coming out and first love but wraps up that realism in a sweet and tender love story. Is there pain for young Adam Corbin? Yes, most definitely. When it is finally revealed that a fellow teammate has been hiding his feelings for Adam, we realize that all is not so cozy in Adam's world. Despite the fact that his parent's are extremely tolerant and loving, Adam faces down bullying at school and even a physical attack.
I was so very happy that for once the school and its administration was not portrayed as totally unfeeling and ineffective. Instead, steps were taken to change the way business was done there and the dirty little secrets of bullying were revealed and not tolerated. While some may say this is not realistic, I would disagree. I believe that this author opted to take the more challenging route in this novel and surround the two boys with support and the potential for safety. While I recognize that this is not everyone's fate in the real world, I also know first hand that it is this way for many and I was glad to see On the Right Track go this route with intelligence and just plain good story telling.
Adam Corbin is young and naive, never having been kissed, hiding his sexuality behind participation on the football team and generally staying deeply closeted at school and home. BY chance he meets young Ru Nakimura, and emancipated teen who is a musical genius that has just been let go from his record label because it was discovered he was gay. Hiding at his friend Tommy's home in a small town in Minnesota, Ru is trying to get his life back together and work on a new found solo career. He is shattered from the betrayal of a cheating boyfriend and the subsequent treatment by his fellow bandmates.
Lonely and hurting, he sees Adam around town and makes his move to get to know the boy better. But Ru cannot hide from the media or Adam forever. Eventually he will have to tell Adam just how famous he is and how a relationship with him will not only out Adam it will place him in the national eye. Little does either boy know that Ru is not the only one who thinks Adam should be his and this new boy will use all means to get what he wants--including hurting Adam physically..
This second novel by Sam Kadence certainly solidifies the idea that this author has incredible story telling capabilities and a knack for writing compelling and interesting characters. Neither of these boys came off as whiny or unbelievable, rather the dialogue and story that surrounded them was handled with finesse and great care was taken to make sure that this was not a fairly tale love but one with grit and some pain and some really tender, beautiful moments.
There is a lot to be said for a good coming of age novel. When handled well, this type of story gives us a genuine window into the heart and mind of a young man who is on the cusp of a life-changing process, a ofttimes dangerous one that is fraught with the possibility of not only happiness and first love, but also leaving him open for the torture of a family who may cast him aside, a community that may hound and bully him and a life that ultimately could mean no friends and unbearable loneliness. All this, just because he will admit for the first time that he is gay. But, there is also the real possibility that this same young man will not lose everything and instead gain so very much.
In his novel, On the Right Track, author Sam Kadence opts to give us what I feel is not only a very realistic portrayal of coming out and first love but wraps up that realism in a sweet and tender love story. Is there pain for young Adam Corbin? Yes, most definitely. When it is finally revealed that a fellow teammate has been hiding his feelings for Adam, we realize that all is not so cozy in Adam's world. Despite the fact that his parent's are extremely tolerant and loving, Adam faces down bullying at school and even a physical attack.
I was so very happy that for once the school and its administration was not portrayed as totally unfeeling and ineffective. Instead, steps were taken to change the way business was done there and the dirty little secrets of bullying were revealed and not tolerated. While some may say this is not realistic, I would disagree. I believe that this author opted to take the more challenging route in this novel and surround the two boys with support and the potential for safety. While I recognize that this is not everyone's fate in the real world, I also know first hand that it is this way for many and I was glad to see On the Right Track go this route with intelligence and just plain good story telling.
Adam Corbin is young and naive, never having been kissed, hiding his sexuality behind participation on the football team and generally staying deeply closeted at school and home. BY chance he meets young Ru Nakimura, and emancipated teen who is a musical genius that has just been let go from his record label because it was discovered he was gay. Hiding at his friend Tommy's home in a small town in Minnesota, Ru is trying to get his life back together and work on a new found solo career. He is shattered from the betrayal of a cheating boyfriend and the subsequent treatment by his fellow bandmates.
Lonely and hurting, he sees Adam around town and makes his move to get to know the boy better. But Ru cannot hide from the media or Adam forever. Eventually he will have to tell Adam just how famous he is and how a relationship with him will not only out Adam it will place him in the national eye. Little does either boy know that Ru is not the only one who thinks Adam should be his and this new boy will use all means to get what he wants--including hurting Adam physically..
This second novel by Sam Kadence certainly solidifies the idea that this author has incredible story telling capabilities and a knack for writing compelling and interesting characters. Neither of these boys came off as whiny or unbelievable, rather the dialogue and story that surrounded them was handled with finesse and great care was taken to make sure that this was not a fairly tale love but one with grit and some pain and some really tender, beautiful moments.
December 26, 2014
so i read this series out of order. i read this book after unicorns and rainbow poop. i loved that book so much i HAD to go back and read this one and i'm SO glad i did. i think sam kadence may be one of my new favorite authors. sam's writing and story telling ability just works for me...a lot.
it's hard to go back and write a review about this book having read the 2nd book already but here goes. (if i post something in this review that gives anything away about book 2 i'm sorry!)
so this book has world famous pop sensation ru meeting boy-next-door adam. their attraction is instantaneous and their chemistry is palpable. of course, because adam has a fairly strict family he doesn't have internet access and doesn't recognize ru so their relationship starts off normally. adam is just fully coming to terms with his sexuality and doesn't have any experience at all. he's seen the brutality of his fellow students against out and proud sebastian so he isn't in a hurry to reveal his true self. as he gets closer to both ru and sebastian, he becomes more confident and isn't satisfied just to coast any longer. even though he is young and naive about some things, he appears to have an old soul and maturity in ways that balances ru.
ru really only wants to be free to be a musician. it's all about the music for him. he lost a bit of himself being in the boy band and becoming what his manager and other band members made him out to be. now that he's on his own and doing things his way he's free to be himself. when he meets adam, he realizes there is more to life than just music and when he looks around him he truly feels alone even with tommy. he is kind and patient and is looking for a lifetime with adam.
tommy is just as great in this book as he is in the 2nd book. i'd almost say he's one of the main characters of this book because his role is so pivotal to the story. he's strong and really just gives it straight to ru so he doesn't lose his head. he's truly a great friend to ru when he has no one else.
while bas has a smaller role in the book his may be the most important. he helps adam take a look in the mirror and stop just coasting through life. while he is struggling with his own issues and demons, he really helps adam through his tribulations.
adams parents are truly amazing and i wish all parents of gay kids could be that supportive and smart about raising their kids. while they are overprotective about some things, they are really open about adam coming out and having his first boyfriend.
there are several scenes in the book that are heartbreaking...this is a very emotional story, as is book 2 but they are just so amazing. since i've already read book 2 twice i don't need to re-read now that i've read this one but i'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and can't wait to see all these characters again.
it's hard to go back and write a review about this book having read the 2nd book already but here goes. (if i post something in this review that gives anything away about book 2 i'm sorry!)
so this book has world famous pop sensation ru meeting boy-next-door adam. their attraction is instantaneous and their chemistry is palpable. of course, because adam has a fairly strict family he doesn't have internet access and doesn't recognize ru so their relationship starts off normally. adam is just fully coming to terms with his sexuality and doesn't have any experience at all. he's seen the brutality of his fellow students against out and proud sebastian so he isn't in a hurry to reveal his true self. as he gets closer to both ru and sebastian, he becomes more confident and isn't satisfied just to coast any longer. even though he is young and naive about some things, he appears to have an old soul and maturity in ways that balances ru.
ru really only wants to be free to be a musician. it's all about the music for him. he lost a bit of himself being in the boy band and becoming what his manager and other band members made him out to be. now that he's on his own and doing things his way he's free to be himself. when he meets adam, he realizes there is more to life than just music and when he looks around him he truly feels alone even with tommy. he is kind and patient and is looking for a lifetime with adam.
tommy is just as great in this book as he is in the 2nd book. i'd almost say he's one of the main characters of this book because his role is so pivotal to the story. he's strong and really just gives it straight to ru so he doesn't lose his head. he's truly a great friend to ru when he has no one else.
while bas has a smaller role in the book his may be the most important. he helps adam take a look in the mirror and stop just coasting through life. while he is struggling with his own issues and demons, he really helps adam through his tribulations.
adams parents are truly amazing and i wish all parents of gay kids could be that supportive and smart about raising their kids. while they are overprotective about some things, they are really open about adam coming out and having his first boyfriend.
there are several scenes in the book that are heartbreaking...this is a very emotional story, as is book 2 but they are just so amazing. since i've already read book 2 twice i don't need to re-read now that i've read this one but i'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and can't wait to see all these characters again.
November 9, 2013
Please leave comments on Pattycake's 5 sweet pea review at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
“So, while it was okay for other celebrities to come out and show pride, anyone under the magical age of eighteen was ridiculed, cast out, and treated as a pariah of the music community.”
On the Right Track by Sam Kadence is DEFINITELY not just another insta-love rock ‘n’ roll story. Six months ago, seventeen year old Ryunoski “Ru” Nakimura was kicked out of boy band Vocal Growth after coming out as gay. Severely depressed and lonely, he flees to Minnesota hoping to escape the paparazzi still hounding him. Hoping to lay low for a while, he’s staying in the condo of his best friend and former bandmate Tommy. Bored and wanting to get out, he goes to a small local college library where he hopes no one recognizes him. Ru sees a really cute boy sitting at the next table, and leaves a note for him with just his first name and phone number, hoping that he’ll hear from him. Sixteen year old Adam Corbin is just an average high school student attending an average high school, trying to blend in and coast his way through to graduation. He plays football, runs track, and has an openly gay friend, but sees no reason to come out of the closet himself. He’s never been seriously interested in any guys until he lays eyes on the most beautiful boy he’s ever seen while he’s at the library. The two start dating and have to fight their way through prejudice, paparazzi, jealous and hateful schoolmates, fame-hungry exes, plus all the ordinary bumps in the road that any new relationship goes through.
This is a richly detailed character driven tale, with a beautifully smooth plot flow. The characters are brought to vivid, compelling life, and as their relationship matures, Ru and Adam find hidden strengths and resources that they never knew they had. The backstory is solid, and left no gaps or plot holes. I found myself pulled into the story from the very beginning, and couldn’t put it down until the very last page. The author’s writing style is brutally honest, clear, and concise. Sam shines a bright light on the touchy subject of bullying, and the heartbreaking toll in broken lives and suicides. What makes it even worse is the attitude that so many people have that “boys will be boys” and “it’s a part of growing up.” We get an upclose and personal snapshot into what life is like for anyone considered “different”, or who doesn’t fit into the cliques that abound in high schools all over the world. This story has a HEA ending, and I totally enjoyed reading this compelling tale of hope and heartbreak. If you’re looking for a story that pulls you in, makes you cheer and cry at the same time, and leaves you thinking about it long after you finish, then I can DEFINITELY recommend this book to you.
“So, while it was okay for other celebrities to come out and show pride, anyone under the magical age of eighteen was ridiculed, cast out, and treated as a pariah of the music community.”
On the Right Track by Sam Kadence is DEFINITELY not just another insta-love rock ‘n’ roll story. Six months ago, seventeen year old Ryunoski “Ru” Nakimura was kicked out of boy band Vocal Growth after coming out as gay. Severely depressed and lonely, he flees to Minnesota hoping to escape the paparazzi still hounding him. Hoping to lay low for a while, he’s staying in the condo of his best friend and former bandmate Tommy. Bored and wanting to get out, he goes to a small local college library where he hopes no one recognizes him. Ru sees a really cute boy sitting at the next table, and leaves a note for him with just his first name and phone number, hoping that he’ll hear from him. Sixteen year old Adam Corbin is just an average high school student attending an average high school, trying to blend in and coast his way through to graduation. He plays football, runs track, and has an openly gay friend, but sees no reason to come out of the closet himself. He’s never been seriously interested in any guys until he lays eyes on the most beautiful boy he’s ever seen while he’s at the library. The two start dating and have to fight their way through prejudice, paparazzi, jealous and hateful schoolmates, fame-hungry exes, plus all the ordinary bumps in the road that any new relationship goes through.
This is a richly detailed character driven tale, with a beautifully smooth plot flow. The characters are brought to vivid, compelling life, and as their relationship matures, Ru and Adam find hidden strengths and resources that they never knew they had. The backstory is solid, and left no gaps or plot holes. I found myself pulled into the story from the very beginning, and couldn’t put it down until the very last page. The author’s writing style is brutally honest, clear, and concise. Sam shines a bright light on the touchy subject of bullying, and the heartbreaking toll in broken lives and suicides. What makes it even worse is the attitude that so many people have that “boys will be boys” and “it’s a part of growing up.” We get an upclose and personal snapshot into what life is like for anyone considered “different”, or who doesn’t fit into the cliques that abound in high schools all over the world. This story has a HEA ending, and I totally enjoyed reading this compelling tale of hope and heartbreak. If you’re looking for a story that pulls you in, makes you cheer and cry at the same time, and leaves you thinking about it long after you finish, then I can DEFINITELY recommend this book to you.
April 3, 2015
I don't usually like YA books. Often I find there's just too much angst. Is it realistic to have that much angst? Definitely, because what teenager didn't feel like the world would end over some issue/problem? And certainly LGBT teens have many struggles. But this story? Amazing. Just so beautiful.
Ru is a gay singer who was ousted from his boyband when pictures of him with his significant other were released. That would have been bad enough, but then he found out that his boyfriend had been cheating on him. So he goes into seclusion in Minnesota, which is where he meets Adam. Adam is a junior in high school just trying to live his life with head down and coasting along. He knows he's gay but hasn't come out due to worries of bullying; worries that are all too real since he had found a classmate, Bas, in the bathroom after a vicious assault.
Kudos to Sam Kadence because I loved everything about this story. The characters, the relationship, their friends, the very real threat of bullying. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a moving first time love YA novel.
Ru is a gay singer who was ousted from his boyband when pictures of him with his significant other were released. That would have been bad enough, but then he found out that his boyfriend had been cheating on him. So he goes into seclusion in Minnesota, which is where he meets Adam. Adam is a junior in high school just trying to live his life with head down and coasting along. He knows he's gay but hasn't come out due to worries of bullying; worries that are all too real since he had found a classmate, Bas, in the bathroom after a vicious assault.
Kudos to Sam Kadence because I loved everything about this story. The characters, the relationship, their friends, the very real threat of bullying. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a moving first time love YA novel.
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