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Albin Academy #2
Just Like This
Rian Falwell has a problem.
And his name is Damon Louis.
Rian’s life as the art teacher to a gaggle of displaced boys at Albin Academy should be smooth sailing—until the stubborn, grouchy football coach comes into his world like a lightning strike and ignites a heated conflict that would leave them sworn enemies if not for a common goal.
A student in peril. A troubling secret. And two men who are polar opposites but must work together to protect their charges.
They shouldn’t want each other. They shouldn’t even like each other.
Yet as they fight to save a young man from the edge, they discover more than they thought possible about each other—and about themselves.
In the space between hatred, they find love.
And the lives they have always wanted…
Just like this.
And his name is Damon Louis.
Rian’s life as the art teacher to a gaggle of displaced boys at Albin Academy should be smooth sailing—until the stubborn, grouchy football coach comes into his world like a lightning strike and ignites a heated conflict that would leave them sworn enemies if not for a common goal.
A student in peril. A troubling secret. And two men who are polar opposites but must work together to protect their charges.
They shouldn’t want each other. They shouldn’t even like each other.
Yet as they fight to save a young man from the edge, they discover more than they thought possible about each other—and about themselves.
In the space between hatred, they find love.
And the lives they have always wanted…
Just like this.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2020
49 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Cole McCade
65 books1,532 followersSlender. Angry. (Part) Asian.
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 23, 2021
3 Hearts
Taking place at the same exalted boarding school for mostly rich, privileged young boys as seen in Just Like That, this story now focuses on football coach Damon, and art teacher Rian. As per the blurb, when a mutual student seems to be going astray by not fulfilling academic and sport commitments, it brings these two complete opposites together, forcing them to work towards a common goal, each challenging and pushing buttons that incite and inflame.
For McCade fans, don’t fret. This is still wrought with an angsty push pull and an antagonistic back and forth, all with an inner turmoil to lend some heady gravitas. The interactions between Damon and Rian are wrought with personal fears and insecurity, and one step forward is annihilated by too much overthinking and misinterpretation of rashly said assumptions. Again, all the words add an atmospheric touch to the minutiae, heavy in the weight of hangups and baggage.
However, my poor ferret brain has come to the conclusion that for now, this series is just not for me. Whether it’s the lush descriptions of these two’s physical attributes and reactions, their complex warring feelings, or the intimate joining they ultimately accomplish, this was too deconstructed into every single detail imaginable, testing my impatient self. I need to get to the nitty gritty, I need the story to be propelled forward, and it seemed like the verbosity and the too many self and externally imposed obstacles kept these two teachers on the sidelines watching and waiting for the other shoe to drop, not only in their romance, but with the student they were concerned with as well.
Reassuringly, this is still well written and highly romantic (with a lovely epilogue) just like the first book. I’m confident many will find this an interesting enemies to lovers dynamic as each MC with their painful pasts and deep buried longings, slowly shed their preconceived notions of the other and make a connection.
Again, I could appreciate this for what it was in all the descriptive nuances. If you crave that, if you enjoy it, then this is an absolute must. I’m just left unsure if this author’s other works can personally keep me captivated as much as I would like them to, because so far for me, less would’ve definitely been more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Taking place at the same exalted boarding school for mostly rich, privileged young boys as seen in Just Like That, this story now focuses on football coach Damon, and art teacher Rian. As per the blurb, when a mutual student seems to be going astray by not fulfilling academic and sport commitments, it brings these two complete opposites together, forcing them to work towards a common goal, each challenging and pushing buttons that incite and inflame.
For McCade fans, don’t fret. This is still wrought with an angsty push pull and an antagonistic back and forth, all with an inner turmoil to lend some heady gravitas. The interactions between Damon and Rian are wrought with personal fears and insecurity, and one step forward is annihilated by too much overthinking and misinterpretation of rashly said assumptions. Again, all the words add an atmospheric touch to the minutiae, heavy in the weight of hangups and baggage.
However, my poor ferret brain has come to the conclusion that for now, this series is just not for me. Whether it’s the lush descriptions of these two’s physical attributes and reactions, their complex warring feelings, or the intimate joining they ultimately accomplish, this was too deconstructed into every single detail imaginable, testing my impatient self. I need to get to the nitty gritty, I need the story to be propelled forward, and it seemed like the verbosity and the too many self and externally imposed obstacles kept these two teachers on the sidelines watching and waiting for the other shoe to drop, not only in their romance, but with the student they were concerned with as well.
Reassuringly, this is still well written and highly romantic (with a lovely epilogue) just like the first book. I’m confident many will find this an interesting enemies to lovers dynamic as each MC with their painful pasts and deep buried longings, slowly shed their preconceived notions of the other and make a connection.
Again, I could appreciate this for what it was in all the descriptive nuances. If you crave that, if you enjoy it, then this is an absolute must. I’m just left unsure if this author’s other works can personally keep me captivated as much as I would like them to, because so far for me, less would’ve definitely been more.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 22, 2020
4.5 stars.
It’s back to Albin Academy for the second in a Cole McCade’s series of the same name, and having loved the first book I was looking forward to returning and seeing what lay in store for Rian and Damon—total opposites who join forces to discover why one of their students is giving the Scarlet Pimpernel a run for his money.
Rian was the art teacher. Damon was the football coach. Something something something, never the twain shall meet.”
Just Like This brought pretty much everything I’d hope for when I pick up a book by the author. His signature writing style and the soul-deep push-pull connection between his characters is at the forefront along with strong character backgrounds, and although for me it had an angstier feel than Just Like That that angst was real, focussing on real struggles and privilege but perfectly balanced with chemistry, banter and humour which inject a lighter easier-feel to Damon and Rian’s romance.
…you didn’t find out about the dicks, did you?”
If an engaging, character-driven slow-burn romance is what you’re after, then you‘ll not go far wrong here and as for the epilogue, well for any epilogue junkie it’s the thing dreams are made of.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
It’s back to Albin Academy for the second in a Cole McCade’s series of the same name, and having loved the first book I was looking forward to returning and seeing what lay in store for Rian and Damon—total opposites who join forces to discover why one of their students is giving the Scarlet Pimpernel a run for his money.
Rian was the art teacher. Damon was the football coach. Something something something, never the twain shall meet.”
Just Like This brought pretty much everything I’d hope for when I pick up a book by the author. His signature writing style and the soul-deep push-pull connection between his characters is at the forefront along with strong character backgrounds, and although for me it had an angstier feel than Just Like That that angst was real, focussing on real struggles and privilege but perfectly balanced with chemistry, banter and humour which inject a lighter easier-feel to Damon and Rian’s romance.
…you didn’t find out about the dicks, did you?”
If an engaging, character-driven slow-burn romance is what you’re after, then you‘ll not go far wrong here and as for the epilogue, well for any epilogue junkie it’s the thing dreams are made of.
Copy received courtesy of Carina via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
December 1, 2020
Stunning!
The characters in Cole McCade’s Albin Academy series are intricate and thoroughly developed; and these are some of the most interesting relationships I’ve ever read. Hurt/Comfort on an entirely different level, the romances are heartbreakingly beautiful and completely satisfying.
This is only the second book I’ve read by Cole McCade, and I’ve got to say this author writes some smoking hot sex scenes! Like literally, almost too hot to read. Plus, I did the audio version, and Tim Todd gives an absolutely scintillating performance.
There’s an interesting mystery in Just Like This and we get to know even more of the staff and students of Albin Academy. Cole McCade has created a fascinating community and I’m anxiously awaiting the next episode!
a copy of Just Like This was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
The characters in Cole McCade’s Albin Academy series are intricate and thoroughly developed; and these are some of the most interesting relationships I’ve ever read. Hurt/Comfort on an entirely different level, the romances are heartbreakingly beautiful and completely satisfying.
This is only the second book I’ve read by Cole McCade, and I’ve got to say this author writes some smoking hot sex scenes! Like literally, almost too hot to read. Plus, I did the audio version, and Tim Todd gives an absolutely scintillating performance.
There’s an interesting mystery in Just Like This and we get to know even more of the staff and students of Albin Academy. Cole McCade has created a fascinating community and I’m anxiously awaiting the next episode!
a copy of Just Like This was provided by NetGalley for the purpose of my honest review
November 30, 2021
Even though this book felt a bit too long, and needed nore focus on the AFTER rather thsn all of the proces of getting together , I still loved it.
Truthfully, very few authors can write prose like CM. The imagery, the sensations, the subtle eroticism, the overall dreaminess of the book. He writes so beautifully and so deeply.
The way he describes how his charactets look never feels objectifying. Rather, it feels poetic and sacred to a degree. Tje way he described Rian's fae-like beauty and hpe it contrasted with Damon masculinity. Wow.
I do think that even though the book was heavily character oriented, it needed a bit more oomph to make it more special. Maybe the Chris angle could have been more angsty? Or maybe it took a boy more effort to solve?
Nevertheless, it's still a beautiful book. ❤
Truthfully, very few authors can write prose like CM. The imagery, the sensations, the subtle eroticism, the overall dreaminess of the book. He writes so beautifully and so deeply.
The way he describes how his charactets look never feels objectifying. Rather, it feels poetic and sacred to a degree. Tje way he described Rian's fae-like beauty and hpe it contrasted with Damon masculinity. Wow.
I do think that even though the book was heavily character oriented, it needed a bit more oomph to make it more special. Maybe the Chris angle could have been more angsty? Or maybe it took a boy more effort to solve?
Nevertheless, it's still a beautiful book. ❤
January 4, 2021
I’m loving this series so far it’s just so emotional and deep the author has such a way with language and though this is quite wordy and lyrical in tone it also provides all the deep feels.
I’m not always a fan of overly prosy books but for some reason, it doesn’t bother me with this one and the words just resounded so deeply with me.
And You do feel like you are dealing with some multi-faceted individuals with complex personalities, not cardboard cutouts or caricatures.
This series definitely concentrates more on building the connection and then nurturing it until it’s developed fully and this is enemies to lovers and very well done slow-burn.
In this second book in the series, we are dealing with the PE teacher Damon and the more flamboyant Art teacher Rian.
These two are such complete opposites that at first glance they seem like they have very little in common but as we dig deeper it becomes apparent that though very different on the surface they are both equally as lost just in very different ways.
Rian seems to have had it all, from a very affluent background and all of the advantages that money brings.
This job is his first foray into being independent of his family.
His sheltered and privileged upbringing has left him feeling rather worthless with little self-belief.
He struggles with low self-esteem and how he is perceived by others this in turn means he is often over-eager to please and wears a mask that others may perceive as superficial and shallow.
This is how Damon first perceives him that is until he digs below this outward displayed disguise to the complex individual beneath.
And Damon though he loves his parents and has had a good childhood being adopted and also from a different racial culture than them has left him feeling disconnected because of this he often feels out of place and adrift.
Rian also doesn’t at first see the true Damon seeing in him the brawny Jock when in fact he is so much more, he’s deep and very caring, a natural nurturer caring deeply about the boys in his care almost like a surrogate father.
Two individuals from totally diverse backgrounds find an unexpected connection here when their goals align.
Both concerned about a pupil under there care they take it upon themselves to dig deeper.
The more time they spend in each other’s company the closer they become and they slowly realise they're not so different.
Finding in each other something neither realised they were actually looking for.
This was actually beautiful to read and exceptionally well written as I said earlier it’s enemies to lovers slow burn M/M and it’s very well done.
I totally believed in the intense connection forming between Damon and Rian and was rooting for them every step of the way.
They also had some incredible chemistry together and got to say that epilogue was the literal icing loved it so much.
The simplicity of this story was part of its draw and I’m definitely loving this series a whole lot.
I will definitely be reading the next one that’s for sure.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Just like this (Albin Academy #2)
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 17, 2020
The story truly is amazing. The story of deep profound love and belonging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This author truly has a beautiful gift with his ability to write romance that just grabs you deep in your soul. It surprises me that he has this ability as a guy. Not that men cannot write romance, but this, this is something different! Honestly. You can tell this story is right from his soul and he is laying out his feelings in this book.
It’s not just a romance. This is a story of a deeply passionate connection that one cannot comprehend.
The story is about two people who are as opposite as you could imagine and the way the author is able to bring this fiery connection together is pretty amazing. The characters think this connection is gonna rip their guts out and blow up in their face so the push and pull are evident throughout the story.
Rian is not the normal type of character I would care for and he has many attributes that just annoyed me. He was always protecting himself and shielding his heart to a fault.
Damon is the hunky football coach with muscles galore and one that just overwhelms room but yet he can be gentle and delicate once you realize that he too is protecting in his heart.
Once these two come together, steamy and beautiful things start to happen that make the heart sing. We get an amazing epilogue that is just so story-worthy. It’s rare in a book like this to get a decent epilogue. It makes me happy to see how they blossomed and grew together.
The story is an emotionally deep and intense look at people who protect themselves and their hearts so much it’s like taking a chisel to try to find who they really are.
With passion, fire, and sizzling, passionate scenes unlike any you’ve read before, this is an author and a story that you will not forget. Book one is just as amazing. Don’t miss it!
* Copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/just-like-th...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This author truly has a beautiful gift with his ability to write romance that just grabs you deep in your soul. It surprises me that he has this ability as a guy. Not that men cannot write romance, but this, this is something different! Honestly. You can tell this story is right from his soul and he is laying out his feelings in this book.
It’s not just a romance. This is a story of a deeply passionate connection that one cannot comprehend.
The story is about two people who are as opposite as you could imagine and the way the author is able to bring this fiery connection together is pretty amazing. The characters think this connection is gonna rip their guts out and blow up in their face so the push and pull are evident throughout the story.
Rian is not the normal type of character I would care for and he has many attributes that just annoyed me. He was always protecting himself and shielding his heart to a fault.
Damon is the hunky football coach with muscles galore and one that just overwhelms room but yet he can be gentle and delicate once you realize that he too is protecting in his heart.
Once these two come together, steamy and beautiful things start to happen that make the heart sing. We get an amazing epilogue that is just so story-worthy. It’s rare in a book like this to get a decent epilogue. It makes me happy to see how they blossomed and grew together.
The story is an emotionally deep and intense look at people who protect themselves and their hearts so much it’s like taking a chisel to try to find who they really are.
With passion, fire, and sizzling, passionate scenes unlike any you’ve read before, this is an author and a story that you will not forget. Book one is just as amazing. Don’t miss it!
* Copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/just-like-th...
September 30, 2020
Just Like This is about an art teacher, Rian and a gym teacher, Damon who work a private boarding school. They have a mutual student who seems to be hiding something and the two teachers have to work together to find out what's plaguing this student and how to help while also clashing with each other over any and every little thing.
To me this story was a bit overwrought, i understand that flowery language is simply a staple of Cole Mccade's writing but I really did feel like the excessive descriptions and metaphors for the characters every little emotion was really frustrating and it made this story quite difficult to get into initially. Additionally I think that while the story was almost overly descriptive in the angsty emotional aspect, it was not at all descriptive in terms of the setting which in my opinion was a little bit disappointing because I was looking forward to the atmospheric prestigious private school setting. One more negative to the intense angsty and introspective nature of the story is that I felt like the two leads honestly didn't have that much chemistry really. The story took a long time to sell me on the supposed fiery spark between the two because most of the first 30 or so percent is intensely interior and the interactions between the characters didn't feel that interesting or substantial for them to be having all these big emotions about one another.
On a more positive note, the writing is quite beautiful if a bit distracting at times so if intense description and angst are your thing this really might work for you. I did enjoy some of the more lighthearted scenes between these teachers and their students, it was sweet to see how much they cared for them, and I enjoyed the brief look into Damon's backstory as an Indigenous adoptee who feels disconnected from his people and his culture due to being raised by his white family. I think this was the first time I've read about an indigenous hero in a romance so I definitely appreciated that alot. As the story went on I did begin to enjoy the couple more and I think the book excelled when the writing stopped being so intentionally purple prosey and focused more on character interaction. Damon and Rian were quite sweet together. Also the epilogue was so adorable and I loved it. On the whole I enjoyed it well enough in the end but it's definitely not a new favorite Cole McCade for me
3.5 stars
Thank you Carina Press for the arc via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
To me this story was a bit overwrought, i understand that flowery language is simply a staple of Cole Mccade's writing but I really did feel like the excessive descriptions and metaphors for the characters every little emotion was really frustrating and it made this story quite difficult to get into initially. Additionally I think that while the story was almost overly descriptive in the angsty emotional aspect, it was not at all descriptive in terms of the setting which in my opinion was a little bit disappointing because I was looking forward to the atmospheric prestigious private school setting. One more negative to the intense angsty and introspective nature of the story is that I felt like the two leads honestly didn't have that much chemistry really. The story took a long time to sell me on the supposed fiery spark between the two because most of the first 30 or so percent is intensely interior and the interactions between the characters didn't feel that interesting or substantial for them to be having all these big emotions about one another.
On a more positive note, the writing is quite beautiful if a bit distracting at times so if intense description and angst are your thing this really might work for you. I did enjoy some of the more lighthearted scenes between these teachers and their students, it was sweet to see how much they cared for them, and I enjoyed the brief look into Damon's backstory as an Indigenous adoptee who feels disconnected from his people and his culture due to being raised by his white family. I think this was the first time I've read about an indigenous hero in a romance so I definitely appreciated that alot. As the story went on I did begin to enjoy the couple more and I think the book excelled when the writing stopped being so intentionally purple prosey and focused more on character interaction. Damon and Rian were quite sweet together. Also the epilogue was so adorable and I loved it. On the whole I enjoyed it well enough in the end but it's definitely not a new favorite Cole McCade for me
3.5 stars
Thank you Carina Press for the arc via netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 28, 2024
Not a real review, but there was name dropping of one precious Malcolm Khalaji💕 so of course I had to say something! One of the MCs was in the navy for one mission before leaving, and remembers only two names of his comrades? I have no idea what a military coworker is called. I’m hoping he makes an appearance in the next one, that would be lovely. Please gimme Walden’s book🤞
Since I’m here already, I’ll give one pro and con for this book. CON It was extra flowery and purple prosey than usual and it took me a while to finish it. PRO one of the MCs reminds me a little of Doris Day in ’Lover Come Back’ which is my favorite 60’s movie.
Since I’m here already, I’ll give one pro and con for this book. CON It was extra flowery and purple prosey than usual and it took me a while to finish it. PRO one of the MCs reminds me a little of Doris Day in ’Lover Come Back’ which is my favorite 60’s movie.
June 21, 2022
Just Like This is a quiet, emotionally evocative romance between two faculty members at an all boys school. Damon is the gruff football coach who is actually a complete teddy bear. Rian is the sensitive, nymph of an art teacher. They share a student exhibiting some concerning behavior and work together to find out what's going on and help him, but along the way fall into each other as well.
I really loved the writing in this book- it's descriptive and thoughtful, at times almost lyrical. And the relationship between these two men is beautiful as well, with each of them confronting their own demons and they encounter this unexpected vulnerability in their connection. Damon is indigenous but was adopted by a white family and is struggling with how to reconnect with those roots and with his own validity as an indigenous person. Rian comes from a wealthy family where everything was handed to him, but no one took him seriously or saw him as capable of more than being pretty. Working as a teacher is the first thing that has felt like earning something.
I wasn't expecting to love this relationship so much, or adore how much they both care about the well-being of their students. I thought this was beautiful and the sex scenes move forward the relationship and scaffold emotional development of the characters. Really excellent. I do think some readers might find this too slow, but I loved the coziness of the pacing and the time the characters had together. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I really loved the writing in this book- it's descriptive and thoughtful, at times almost lyrical. And the relationship between these two men is beautiful as well, with each of them confronting their own demons and they encounter this unexpected vulnerability in their connection. Damon is indigenous but was adopted by a white family and is struggling with how to reconnect with those roots and with his own validity as an indigenous person. Rian comes from a wealthy family where everything was handed to him, but no one took him seriously or saw him as capable of more than being pretty. Working as a teacher is the first thing that has felt like earning something.
I wasn't expecting to love this relationship so much, or adore how much they both care about the well-being of their students. I thought this was beautiful and the sex scenes move forward the relationship and scaffold emotional development of the characters. Really excellent. I do think some readers might find this too slow, but I loved the coziness of the pacing and the time the characters had together. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
December 1, 2020
2.5 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Another sucessful Opposites Attract from Cole McCade.
Honestly, if his name is on it, I'll read it.
In this one, we're back in Albin Academy, an all boys boarding school in Omen, Massachusetts, where the rich and powerful send their sons to forget they exist for a while.
This is the story of the hippie art teacher and the football coach and it delivers exactly what it sets out to do.
I was touched by not only Rian and Damon's relationship but also by their afftection for their students.
Having lived in one such campus myself, I know how important a role teachers and coaches play on these kids' lives and I'm so glad it was part of the narrative.
Another sucessful Opposites Attract from Cole McCade.
Honestly, if his name is on it, I'll read it.
In this one, we're back in Albin Academy, an all boys boarding school in Omen, Massachusetts, where the rich and powerful send their sons to forget they exist for a while.
This is the story of the hippie art teacher and the football coach and it delivers exactly what it sets out to do.
I was touched by not only Rian and Damon's relationship but also by their afftection for their students.
Having lived in one such campus myself, I know how important a role teachers and coaches play on these kids' lives and I'm so glad it was part of the narrative.
December 13, 2020
I've given this a B at AAR.
This second book in Cole McCade’s series set at Albin Academy, a prestigious New England boarding school where wealthy parents send their (often) problematic sons in order to forget about them, is an antagonists-to-lovers story between the school’s football coach and its art teacher, a couple who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Just Like This finds this chalk-and-cheese couple reluctantly working together to help one of their students, and although it’s as insightful and beautifully written as the previous instalment, the writing can be overly detailed and a little florid, and the pacing really slows around the middle section of the book.
Art master Rian Falwell is surprised – to say the least – when the school’s PE teacher, Damon Louis appears in his studio demanding to know why one of his football players keeps missing practice. Rian is at a complete loss – and not a little bit annoyed at the other man’s rude, overbearing manner- until finally, Damon comes to the point; his star player, sixteen-year-old Chris Northcote, has repeatedly been late to practice because he’s been staying in art class after school, and for the last week, he hasn’t turned up at all. Damon demands to know why Rian is making Chris stay behind, his accusatory tone completely ruffling Rian’s feathers the wrong way. When Rian coolly – and somewhat snootily – explains that he’s doing nothing of the sort and that Chris gets out of his class as soon as possible saying he’s got football practice, Rian and Damon realise the boy has been lying to both of them – and that given he’s the sort of kid who’s doing well in school, is well-liked and never in trouble, he must be lying for what he thinks is a good reason. Which meant, in every mind except that of a desperate sixteen-year-old, it was probably a pretty fucking bad reason.
They go to see Assistant Principal Walden to express their concerns, and are frustrated at his response that as Chris isn’t failing in class or breaking any rules, there is little they can do, and by his instruction not to contact the boy’s parents unless they have very good reason to do so. Appalled by such a heartless response, Rian and Damon decide to take it upon themselves to try to find out what’s going on.
That’s the basic plotline and the impetus for the romance between Rian and Damon. They’re interesting, complex characters who come from very different backgrounds, have very different life experiences and yet, as they spend time together and get to know each other better, realise they’re both looking for the same thing, somewhere to belong and to feel loved and valued. Rian comes from money and has never really had to work for anything or do anything for himself. He’s a talented artist and felt suffocated by his family, as if he was only important to them as something pretty to be shown off and exhibited, so a few years earlier he decided enough was enough and struck out on his own when he took the job at Albin. He’s determined to stand on his own two feet and prove he’s worth something other than his or his parents’ bank balance, which sometimes causes him to try overly hard to do things for people and fix things. Damon is an adoptee of Indigenous descent, but knows nothing about his birth-parents or which nation he descends from, which leaves him in an uncomfortable limbo, feeling disconnected from his heritage. I loved watching them gradually shedding their preconceptions about each other and finding that common ground.
I was completely hooked for around the first third of the book; I wanted to know what was going on with Chris, and the chemistry and the push-and-pull between the two leads is intense and really well done. Their frustration and attraction (and frustrated attraction;)) bubbles so close to the surface that their first kiss is explosive, like the lid blowing off a pressure cooker! But things start to slow down not long after this, and the story begins to meander a bit; there isn’t a lot of progression in the Chris storyline and the back and forth I’d enjoyed at the beginning morphs into a kind of stalemate as Rian and Damon start to put obstacles in the way of their having an actual relationship. The conflict here is wholly internalised and stems mostly from preconceptions and misconceptions – and a pronounced lack of communication.
Things pick up again around the three-quarter mark though, and both the plot and the romance are propelled towards a satisfying conclusion. I argued with myself over the final grade because while I really liked the plot, the characterisation and the romance, the pacing issues and the (sometimes) overly detailed internal descriptions got in the way of the story and slowed its forward momentum. Ultimately however, Just Like This deserves a recommendation, because in spite of my reservations, I did enjoy this story of two strangers brought together by a common goal who find love and home and the lives they’ve always wanted.
This second book in Cole McCade’s series set at Albin Academy, a prestigious New England boarding school where wealthy parents send their (often) problematic sons in order to forget about them, is an antagonists-to-lovers story between the school’s football coach and its art teacher, a couple who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Just Like This finds this chalk-and-cheese couple reluctantly working together to help one of their students, and although it’s as insightful and beautifully written as the previous instalment, the writing can be overly detailed and a little florid, and the pacing really slows around the middle section of the book.
Art master Rian Falwell is surprised – to say the least – when the school’s PE teacher, Damon Louis appears in his studio demanding to know why one of his football players keeps missing practice. Rian is at a complete loss – and not a little bit annoyed at the other man’s rude, overbearing manner- until finally, Damon comes to the point; his star player, sixteen-year-old Chris Northcote, has repeatedly been late to practice because he’s been staying in art class after school, and for the last week, he hasn’t turned up at all. Damon demands to know why Rian is making Chris stay behind, his accusatory tone completely ruffling Rian’s feathers the wrong way. When Rian coolly – and somewhat snootily – explains that he’s doing nothing of the sort and that Chris gets out of his class as soon as possible saying he’s got football practice, Rian and Damon realise the boy has been lying to both of them – and that given he’s the sort of kid who’s doing well in school, is well-liked and never in trouble, he must be lying for what he thinks is a good reason. Which meant, in every mind except that of a desperate sixteen-year-old, it was probably a pretty fucking bad reason.
They go to see Assistant Principal Walden to express their concerns, and are frustrated at his response that as Chris isn’t failing in class or breaking any rules, there is little they can do, and by his instruction not to contact the boy’s parents unless they have very good reason to do so. Appalled by such a heartless response, Rian and Damon decide to take it upon themselves to try to find out what’s going on.
That’s the basic plotline and the impetus for the romance between Rian and Damon. They’re interesting, complex characters who come from very different backgrounds, have very different life experiences and yet, as they spend time together and get to know each other better, realise they’re both looking for the same thing, somewhere to belong and to feel loved and valued. Rian comes from money and has never really had to work for anything or do anything for himself. He’s a talented artist and felt suffocated by his family, as if he was only important to them as something pretty to be shown off and exhibited, so a few years earlier he decided enough was enough and struck out on his own when he took the job at Albin. He’s determined to stand on his own two feet and prove he’s worth something other than his or his parents’ bank balance, which sometimes causes him to try overly hard to do things for people and fix things. Damon is an adoptee of Indigenous descent, but knows nothing about his birth-parents or which nation he descends from, which leaves him in an uncomfortable limbo, feeling disconnected from his heritage. I loved watching them gradually shedding their preconceptions about each other and finding that common ground.
I was completely hooked for around the first third of the book; I wanted to know what was going on with Chris, and the chemistry and the push-and-pull between the two leads is intense and really well done. Their frustration and attraction (and frustrated attraction;)) bubbles so close to the surface that their first kiss is explosive, like the lid blowing off a pressure cooker! But things start to slow down not long after this, and the story begins to meander a bit; there isn’t a lot of progression in the Chris storyline and the back and forth I’d enjoyed at the beginning morphs into a kind of stalemate as Rian and Damon start to put obstacles in the way of their having an actual relationship. The conflict here is wholly internalised and stems mostly from preconceptions and misconceptions – and a pronounced lack of communication.
Things pick up again around the three-quarter mark though, and both the plot and the romance are propelled towards a satisfying conclusion. I argued with myself over the final grade because while I really liked the plot, the characterisation and the romance, the pacing issues and the (sometimes) overly detailed internal descriptions got in the way of the story and slowed its forward momentum. Ultimately however, Just Like This deserves a recommendation, because in spite of my reservations, I did enjoy this story of two strangers brought together by a common goal who find love and home and the lives they’ve always wanted.
June 23, 2021
✨ 3.5 stars ✨
Mini summary:
Set at the private all-boys school Albin Academy where the rich and famous ship off their sons, we meet Rian, the art teacher and Damon, the football coach who come together over their worry for one of their students. Rian and Damon are true opposites attract. Damon is a large and athletic man, raised middle class, aggressive where Rian is soft-spoken, waif, artistic and upper-middle-class. Yet despite all their differences, they find a shared connection in their pain and struggles.
My thoughts
I love Cole McCade's Criminal Intention series and have rated it all 4 or 5 stars so I think I may have had unrealistic expectations. As unfortunately, I spent most of this book really confused with the storyline and didn't understand the characters or their motivations at all. For two coworkers who supposedly never noticed one another or spoke before the week of the events of the book, they were really unprofessional from the start. They triggered one another incessantly, they went from saying hurtful things one minute and expressing how much they couldn't stand one another to opening up about very personal and deep trauma the next.
Rian didn't feel like a grown man to me but a fragile vase that could shatter at any moment, he cried often and seemed to be triggered by every conflict, everything impacted him so deeply. Damon was described as brash but with a good heart but for many scenes, I just found him rude for no reason. He was so aggressive with Rian, even when his inner monologue recognized Rian's fragility, he was still so hurtful. The angst was heavy but it felt self-fabricated, a lot of the pain they caused one another could have easily been avoided had they just behaved like adults (!!) and talked to one another.
The rating is a testament to Cole's writing because even when I didn't particularly love the characters or felt connected to them together, the beautiful words still touched and moved me. The description of their connection and yearning for each other was swoon level. The last 20% of the book really made up for the rest as it was so heart-warming and I truly loved the epilogue.❤️
Mini summary:
Set at the private all-boys school Albin Academy where the rich and famous ship off their sons, we meet Rian, the art teacher and Damon, the football coach who come together over their worry for one of their students. Rian and Damon are true opposites attract. Damon is a large and athletic man, raised middle class, aggressive where Rian is soft-spoken, waif, artistic and upper-middle-class. Yet despite all their differences, they find a shared connection in their pain and struggles.
My thoughts
I love Cole McCade's Criminal Intention series and have rated it all 4 or 5 stars so I think I may have had unrealistic expectations. As unfortunately, I spent most of this book really confused with the storyline and didn't understand the characters or their motivations at all. For two coworkers who supposedly never noticed one another or spoke before the week of the events of the book, they were really unprofessional from the start. They triggered one another incessantly, they went from saying hurtful things one minute and expressing how much they couldn't stand one another to opening up about very personal and deep trauma the next.
Rian didn't feel like a grown man to me but a fragile vase that could shatter at any moment, he cried often and seemed to be triggered by every conflict, everything impacted him so deeply. Damon was described as brash but with a good heart but for many scenes, I just found him rude for no reason. He was so aggressive with Rian, even when his inner monologue recognized Rian's fragility, he was still so hurtful. The angst was heavy but it felt self-fabricated, a lot of the pain they caused one another could have easily been avoided had they just behaved like adults (!!) and talked to one another.
The rating is a testament to Cole's writing because even when I didn't particularly love the characters or felt connected to them together, the beautiful words still touched and moved me. The description of their connection and yearning for each other was swoon level. The last 20% of the book really made up for the rest as it was so heart-warming and I truly loved the epilogue.❤️
October 20, 2020
4.25 stars!
Overall, I enjoyed this second installment in this series.
This second installment focuses on Rian Falwell and Damon Louis, the art teacher and gym teacher/coach at Albin Academy respectively.
What starts as a somewhat antagonistic relationship between the two at the start, when both are lied to by a student, Chris, and think he's in the other's classroom/football practice, and it takes awhile for that animosity to cool, even as they are attracted to each other and build a connection.
But the student, Chris, is hiding something, as he's not coming to practice and he skips out as fast as he can at the end of the day from Rian's art class, but when Rian and Damon go to Walden, the Assistant Principal about it, he isn't very helpful, and they're left with the only option, which is try to suss out what is going on from peers around Chris, because asking Chris right out what is going on might scare him off.
For me, I felt like the situation with Chris was a great way for these two to come together, but I'm not so sure that I liked that the storyline spanned basically the whole book. I liked Chris and all, so it wasn't that, and it was great seeing these two care so much for him as a student and all that, but ultimately I feel that after awhile it kinda took away from these two and their story.
What I mean is, there wasn't much of a storyline outside of the Chris situation and I don't think it worked entirely well as an overall plot...
Now when it was just these two together, I loved it, I adored it, they had a great connection - even if at first it felt a tad out of nowhere. I mean they worked for three years together and barely talked and then one encounter and there's attraction? Maybe if it had been a more gradual thing, it would have felt a little more believable to me? - but either way, once we got into them and their feelings really started to grow, they were great together and I enjoyed them together.
But when, aside from their growing relationship, the only thing that happened was about Chris the whole time? I dunno, I just didn't connect with that. It being this great mystery for them to solve by the end and all that. I think the Chris thing could have been solved by at least halfway through and then this could have focused on something else, something more to do with Damon and Rian themselves, not just a student they have.
I don't know, it wasn't bad, and I did like Chris, who was a sweet kid in over his head, but the story isn't about Chris...it's about Damon and Rian, you know? So I would have just liked that storyline to have moved on. Not to say it was bad, because there were good moments that came out of it, I just don't think it warranted being the main storyline.
But overall, this was enjoyable and I do recommend it. These two were good together, even when they were snapping at each other, and I adored Rian, he was just a sweet guy.
So I definitely recommend. McCade is an amazing author who writes beautiful and writes great relationships. I just think in some ways - i.e. the plot - this could have been better. But still a very good read.
Two thumbs up from me! :)
***ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
Overall, I enjoyed this second installment in this series.
This second installment focuses on Rian Falwell and Damon Louis, the art teacher and gym teacher/coach at Albin Academy respectively.
What starts as a somewhat antagonistic relationship between the two at the start, when both are lied to by a student, Chris, and think he's in the other's classroom/football practice, and it takes awhile for that animosity to cool, even as they are attracted to each other and build a connection.
But the student, Chris, is hiding something, as he's not coming to practice and he skips out as fast as he can at the end of the day from Rian's art class, but when Rian and Damon go to Walden, the Assistant Principal about it, he isn't very helpful, and they're left with the only option, which is try to suss out what is going on from peers around Chris, because asking Chris right out what is going on might scare him off.
For me, I felt like the situation with Chris was a great way for these two to come together, but I'm not so sure that I liked that the storyline spanned basically the whole book. I liked Chris and all, so it wasn't that, and it was great seeing these two care so much for him as a student and all that, but ultimately I feel that after awhile it kinda took away from these two and their story.
What I mean is, there wasn't much of a storyline outside of the Chris situation and I don't think it worked entirely well as an overall plot...
Now when it was just these two together, I loved it, I adored it, they had a great connection - even if at first it felt a tad out of nowhere. I mean they worked for three years together and barely talked and then one encounter and there's attraction? Maybe if it had been a more gradual thing, it would have felt a little more believable to me? - but either way, once we got into them and their feelings really started to grow, they were great together and I enjoyed them together.
But when, aside from their growing relationship, the only thing that happened was about Chris the whole time? I dunno, I just didn't connect with that. It being this great mystery for them to solve by the end and all that. I think the Chris thing could have been solved by at least halfway through and then this could have focused on something else, something more to do with Damon and Rian themselves, not just a student they have.
I don't know, it wasn't bad, and I did like Chris, who was a sweet kid in over his head, but the story isn't about Chris...it's about Damon and Rian, you know? So I would have just liked that storyline to have moved on. Not to say it was bad, because there were good moments that came out of it, I just don't think it warranted being the main storyline.
But overall, this was enjoyable and I do recommend it. These two were good together, even when they were snapping at each other, and I adored Rian, he was just a sweet guy.
So I definitely recommend. McCade is an amazing author who writes beautiful and writes great relationships. I just think in some ways - i.e. the plot - this could have been better. But still a very good read.
Two thumbs up from me! :)
***ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
November 24, 2020
This author is a word musician. I love this way of storytelling, it elevates a narrative above an average level, composing all the little and big parts into a beautiful flowed symphony.
There is never just a simple romance, there are always unexpected layers.
“Rian Falwell has a problem. And his name is Damon Louis.” Isn’t that a fact!
So, this story is about Rian the art teacher who got a degree in fake smiles, never learned to socialize, and Damon the football coach, who despises fake smiles, both work at the Albin Academy. They don’t like each other but have to work together to help a student who ditched classes and looks more and more exhausted.
Unraveling Rian was mesmerizing, the journey of discovering the adopted Damon and his history was as mesmerizing and palpable Two souls finding a belonging, dang that was breathtaking.
They don’t just make love, they created art.
The whispers, the murmurs, the little gestures were *gasp* impressive.
Belonging... oh my heart, the yearning so palpable.
Beautifully written journey, all those impressive sentences, this author excels here.
The characters are excellently developed, the plot is well thought out!
What is a beautiful love story without a hea, don’t worry it has a very satisfying happy ending.
“But if you try sometimes …you might just get what you need.”
There is never just a simple romance, there are always unexpected layers.
“Rian Falwell has a problem. And his name is Damon Louis.” Isn’t that a fact!
So, this story is about Rian the art teacher who got a degree in fake smiles, never learned to socialize, and Damon the football coach, who despises fake smiles, both work at the Albin Academy. They don’t like each other but have to work together to help a student who ditched classes and looks more and more exhausted.
Unraveling Rian was mesmerizing, the journey of discovering the adopted Damon and his history was as mesmerizing and palpable Two souls finding a belonging, dang that was breathtaking.
They don’t just make love, they created art.
The whispers, the murmurs, the little gestures were *gasp* impressive.
Belonging... oh my heart, the yearning so palpable.
Beautifully written journey, all those impressive sentences, this author excels here.
The characters are excellently developed, the plot is well thought out!
What is a beautiful love story without a hea, don’t worry it has a very satisfying happy ending.
“But if you try sometimes …you might just get what you need.”
November 25, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Book one of the Albin Academy series, Just Like That, was amazing, and that is the reason I jumped on the opportunity to read book two, Just Like This. The whole boarding school aspect of the stories fascinates me. The men are in a sort of enclosed environment. Their options are limited, and they must rely on each other. The situations felt real, especially in this installment. Teachers always express concern for troubled students, and they feel responsibility for them. Here, even though Rian and Damon don’t get along, that concern and responsibility is more important than their personal feelings.
I loved both Rian and Damon. They were fundamentally good men, even though they grew up in extraordinary situations: Rian in a wealthy home where he felt like he didn’t belong, and Damon in a loving home where he wasn’t sure who he truly was. Their chemistry was off the charts, once again, even though their personalities clashed.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Book one of the Albin Academy series, Just Like That, was amazing, and that is the reason I jumped on the opportunity to read book two, Just Like This. The whole boarding school aspect of the stories fascinates me. The men are in a sort of enclosed environment. Their options are limited, and they must rely on each other. The situations felt real, especially in this installment. Teachers always express concern for troubled students, and they feel responsibility for them. Here, even though Rian and Damon don’t get along, that concern and responsibility is more important than their personal feelings.
I loved both Rian and Damon. They were fundamentally good men, even though they grew up in extraordinary situations: Rian in a wealthy home where he felt like he didn’t belong, and Damon in a loving home where he wasn’t sure who he truly was. Their chemistry was off the charts, once again, even though their personalities clashed.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
November 7, 2020
3.5 Stars!!
One thing I've come to expect when ever I pick up a Cole McCade book is great storytelling and impeccable writing and this was more of the same. I'm always blown away by how he weaves his tales and how he uses the english language to tell you exactly how his characters are feeling and exactly how the situation unravels within his stories. That is what I particularly love about this author and exactly what I loved about this book.
So why the 3.5-star rating? That just boils down to two things I didn't particularly care for in this story; the pacing and the push and pull between Rian and Damon. The writing, as I've already indicated was great but somewhere in the middle of this book, the story began to slow down a bit primarily because there wasn't much movement with the "troubled student" subplot and the MCs' constant pushing and pulling only served to drag the story even further.
However, once Rian and Damon got over themselves, the story moved right along and concluded quite satisfactorily. I really enjoyed the Epilogue as well.
I'm not sure if there will be additional books in the series but if any do come out, you can bet I'll be reading it!!
**eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review**
One thing I've come to expect when ever I pick up a Cole McCade book is great storytelling and impeccable writing and this was more of the same. I'm always blown away by how he weaves his tales and how he uses the english language to tell you exactly how his characters are feeling and exactly how the situation unravels within his stories. That is what I particularly love about this author and exactly what I loved about this book.
So why the 3.5-star rating? That just boils down to two things I didn't particularly care for in this story; the pacing and the push and pull between Rian and Damon. The writing, as I've already indicated was great but somewhere in the middle of this book, the story began to slow down a bit primarily because there wasn't much movement with the "troubled student" subplot and the MCs' constant pushing and pulling only served to drag the story even further.
However, once Rian and Damon got over themselves, the story moved right along and concluded quite satisfactorily. I really enjoyed the Epilogue as well.
I'm not sure if there will be additional books in the series but if any do come out, you can bet I'll be reading it!!
**eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review**
August 12, 2023
Overall I've enjoyed this book, the 2ed installment in the Albin Academy series.
So this one seems more like opposite attract and a little dash of enemies-to-lovers vibe kinda situation😅? At least, that's how I felt.
This one is between the art teacher and the PE/Coach.
I was so excited to dive into this one cuz it was longer than the first book, and I absolutely love Cole McCade's writing. His writing prose is both lyrical and beautiful; it's very poetic. When he describes the intimacy, vulnerability, and sensations, you can feel the emotions leaping off the pages. Only a few authors can make that happen with the readers, and that is what makes his writings deeply beautiful.
I like the idea of the plot and how it brought the two teachers together to help one of their students (Chris). I love Chris and love how both of them really cared about their students since the school has a reputation for serving the rich, and the wealthy parents to send their kids here to be forgotten cuz the parents don't care about their kids.
What made me lower my rating was the situation with Chris was stretched. I felt it could have been resolved earlier cuz even for them to meet up was to discuss Chris's case. I just wanted to read more of them just spending quality time together cuz Chris's case took a chunk off their story, and I wanted to see more of them spending time together as a couple.
I loved the Epilogue; it was wholesome and included a sex scene that felt unnecessary. Again to me, it's a me thing 😅.
Overall I've enjoyed it nonetheless and recommend checking it out also, this book has more of the assistant principal in it, and it made me think maybe we will get a book about him? Although he sounded really unpleasant, lol 😂. I look forward to the next installment of this series; it's that good.
I'll check out his Criminal series since it's on KU, and more of my Goodreads friends read it and enjoyed it.
So this one seems more like opposite attract and a little dash of enemies-to-lovers vibe kinda situation😅? At least, that's how I felt.
This one is between the art teacher and the PE/Coach.
I was so excited to dive into this one cuz it was longer than the first book, and I absolutely love Cole McCade's writing. His writing prose is both lyrical and beautiful; it's very poetic. When he describes the intimacy, vulnerability, and sensations, you can feel the emotions leaping off the pages. Only a few authors can make that happen with the readers, and that is what makes his writings deeply beautiful.
I like the idea of the plot and how it brought the two teachers together to help one of their students (Chris). I love Chris and love how both of them really cared about their students since the school has a reputation for serving the rich, and the wealthy parents to send their kids here to be forgotten cuz the parents don't care about their kids.
What made me lower my rating was the situation with Chris was stretched. I felt it could have been resolved earlier cuz even for them to meet up was to discuss Chris's case. I just wanted to read more of them just spending quality time together cuz Chris's case took a chunk off their story, and I wanted to see more of them spending time together as a couple.
I loved the Epilogue; it was wholesome and included a sex scene that felt unnecessary. Again to me, it's a me thing 😅.
Overall I've enjoyed it nonetheless and recommend checking it out also, this book has more of the assistant principal in it, and it made me think maybe we will get a book about him? Although he sounded really unpleasant, lol 😂. I look forward to the next installment of this series; it's that good.
I'll check out his Criminal series since it's on KU, and more of my Goodreads friends read it and enjoyed it.
September 23, 2021
Sometimes you have to see and feel love to know what it is.
Album Academy is where rich parents send their problem boys for school and close supervision, or if they do not want to be bothered with them interfering with their lifestyle or reputation. It is a bit the same for the staff and teachers who care for the boys who want to be loved more than anything.
The tuition is high as it is a boarding school that offers many challenging classes to help the students achieve high standards in academic and athletic endeavors while also providing musical and artistic classes plus computer training. Almost everything needed is include in the fees and available on the grounds, but girls. The small local town and curfews limits most chances for nighttime romance, but drugs and alcohol are often smuggled in, but usually caught.
This book is the story of two single teachers who discover each other while recognizing a student problem. When both the problem and their relationship become serious, their demonstrations of love for each other and for the students in spite of restrictions from the vice principal, overcome the problems of the students and the teachers as they succeed in finding themselves.
Album Academy is where rich parents send their problem boys for school and close supervision, or if they do not want to be bothered with them interfering with their lifestyle or reputation. It is a bit the same for the staff and teachers who care for the boys who want to be loved more than anything.
The tuition is high as it is a boarding school that offers many challenging classes to help the students achieve high standards in academic and athletic endeavors while also providing musical and artistic classes plus computer training. Almost everything needed is include in the fees and available on the grounds, but girls. The small local town and curfews limits most chances for nighttime romance, but drugs and alcohol are often smuggled in, but usually caught.
This book is the story of two single teachers who discover each other while recognizing a student problem. When both the problem and their relationship become serious, their demonstrations of love for each other and for the students in spite of restrictions from the vice principal, overcome the problems of the students and the teachers as they succeed in finding themselves.
January 28, 2021
2,5
I love Cole McCade but I think this series isn't for me. The first book was also a so-so reading experience for me and I was honestly a little annoyed with the second. It's one of these books were the story would be a lot faster over if our main protagonists Rian and Damon had just talked to each other instead of ignoring. I really hate that in books so I can't give it a very high rating.
Rian and Damon, two teachers at the Albin Academy private school for spoiled rich boys, need to overcome their distaste for each other to help out a pupil who seems to be in danger. It sounded great but it was overall a little over the top for me.
I've seen a lot of reviews complaining about McCade flowery writing style but I actually finished it because of it. And the reason why the kid Chris was so secretive and made a lot of trouble was so unsatisfying to me that I thought about dropping the series as a whole. I need to see which characters are the next couple to decide it. I really hope it's Walden and Dr. Liu.
I love Cole McCade but I think this series isn't for me. The first book was also a so-so reading experience for me and I was honestly a little annoyed with the second. It's one of these books were the story would be a lot faster over if our main protagonists Rian and Damon had just talked to each other instead of ignoring. I really hate that in books so I can't give it a very high rating.
Rian and Damon, two teachers at the Albin Academy private school for spoiled rich boys, need to overcome their distaste for each other to help out a pupil who seems to be in danger. It sounded great but it was overall a little over the top for me.
I've seen a lot of reviews complaining about McCade flowery writing style but I actually finished it because of it. And the reason why the kid Chris was so secretive and made a lot of trouble was so unsatisfying to me that I thought about dropping the series as a whole. I need to see which characters are the next couple to decide it. I really hope it's Walden and Dr. Liu.
November 25, 2020
3.5 ⭐ stars rounded up.
Damon and Rian live in the prestigious Albin Academy, known to be the school where the sons of rich families are sent, left to be almost forgotten by their negligent parents. Damon is the coach of the football team, and Rian is the art teacher, and they've never had a reason to interact up to this point. When a student they have in common starts to behave strangely, Rian and Damon find themselves tangled with each other, and even if they hate to admit it, there's an undeniable attraction between them that they cannot fight.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Damon and Rian were absolutely adorable and I enjoyed their bickering more than I'd expected. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to love their relationship given that it was definitely insta-lovey, something that usually turns me off inmediately. Somehow, the chemistry between the characters was enough to get me hooked and giggling most of the time, even though the romance was quite angsty —in the best way possible.
The whole situation with Chris was really endearing as well. I love the concept of found family and being emotionally attached to people you aren't related to by blood, but by a strong, trustful bond. My only complaint regarding this matter was that I didn't feel like we got to see much of that relationship prior to the incident. We are told that this boy means a lot to both men, and we somehow get to see that when Damon is training with the football team —but this is not the case with Rian. His relationship with Chris was not as developed and I wish it had been.
My biggest issue with this book, actually, was the writing style. I wouldn't call it bad, but it just was not for me. It felt choppy and too repetitive. I get that maybe the author's intentions were to highlight the characters' feelings, especially their fears and struggles when it came to each other, but the execution felt too over-the-top.
The own-voices aspect of this book was incredible. I really liked it, every aspect. I haven't found many books with indigenous characters —or written by indigeous authors, and it's definitely something I'd like to do. Now I really want to read the previous book in this series, and I'll be on the lookout for more of Cole McCade's works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
will I ever stop requesting sequels to books I haven't read yet 🤦
Damon and Rian live in the prestigious Albin Academy, known to be the school where the sons of rich families are sent, left to be almost forgotten by their negligent parents. Damon is the coach of the football team, and Rian is the art teacher, and they've never had a reason to interact up to this point. When a student they have in common starts to behave strangely, Rian and Damon find themselves tangled with each other, and even if they hate to admit it, there's an undeniable attraction between them that they cannot fight.
This book was a pleasant surprise. Damon and Rian were absolutely adorable and I enjoyed their bickering more than I'd expected. At first, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to love their relationship given that it was definitely insta-lovey, something that usually turns me off inmediately. Somehow, the chemistry between the characters was enough to get me hooked and giggling most of the time, even though the romance was quite angsty —in the best way possible.
The whole situation with Chris was really endearing as well. I love the concept of found family and being emotionally attached to people you aren't related to by blood, but by a strong, trustful bond. My only complaint regarding this matter was that I didn't feel like we got to see much of that relationship prior to the incident. We are told that this boy means a lot to both men, and we somehow get to see that when Damon is training with the football team —but this is not the case with Rian. His relationship with Chris was not as developed and I wish it had been.
My biggest issue with this book, actually, was the writing style. I wouldn't call it bad, but it just was not for me. It felt choppy and too repetitive. I get that maybe the author's intentions were to highlight the characters' feelings, especially their fears and struggles when it came to each other, but the execution felt too over-the-top.
The own-voices aspect of this book was incredible. I really liked it, every aspect. I haven't found many books with indigenous characters —or written by indigeous authors, and it's definitely something I'd like to do. Now I really want to read the previous book in this series, and I'll be on the lookout for more of Cole McCade's works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
will I ever stop requesting sequels to books I haven't read yet 🤦
October 20, 2020
3,5-3,75/5
Dans ce deuxième tome, nous suivons cette fois Rian Falwell, le professeur d'art et Damon Louis le coach sportif. Les deux hommes ne s'apprécient pas des masses mais vont être réunis pour le bien d'un étudiant qui manque à leurs cours.
J'ai bien aimé cet opus ! Je m'attendais à la base à un autre personnage rencontré précédemment pour héro principal, mais je pense que ce sera pour la prochaine fois ^^
J'aime le thème des ennemies to lovers, ici on est dedans même si c'est plus subtil. J'aime le style de l'auteur, je pense qu'on accroche ou on accroche...beaucoup moins. J'aime ses introspections, c'est lent, parfois on a l'impression de tourner en rond, mais c'est ce que je préfère à chaque fois !
Rian est intrigué depuis longtemps par Damon, je pense qu'il ne l'aime pas vraiment car justement il lui fait ressentir certaines choses. Il faut dire que Damon a bien souvent le nombril à l'air et ça a le don d'agacer Rian ^^
Damon, c'est un peu la même chose, il n'a jamais pris le temps de discuter avec Rian, et se rend compte qu'il aime passer du temps en sa compagnie.
Il n'y a rien d'original dans cette histoire, nous suivons le rapprochement des deux hommes dans leur objectif commun, à savoir trouver ce que cache Chris et venir en aide à cet étudiant.
Mais ce que j'ai préféré dans ce livre, c'est la forte connexion qu'il y a entre Damon et Rian. L'alchimie est bien là dès le départ, et franchement les suivre tout le long a été pour moi un vrai délice...
Pour ce qui est de l'intrigue principale dira-t-on, je trouve que l'auteur aurait du amener peut-être différemment les choses pour y croire vraiment. Là, ça donnait un peu l'impression qu'il fallait trouver un terrain pour que les deux prof bossent ensemble, même si bon, depuis le temps qu'ils se croisent dans les couloirs, il y aurait eu matière à lol
Le sujet abordé par Damon était intéressant, pas suffisamment exploité à mon sens (j'aurais adoré en avoir tellement plus !), ce qui est surprenant lorsqu'on lit les derniers mots de l'auteur et ce que ce sujet représente pour lui.
La fin maintenant... Bon, là tout va trop vite, pour moi c'était de trop vraiment, épilogue ou pas. Certes, l'auteur offre une jolie fin au couple, mais tout est trop vite expédié à mon goût.
Ceci dit, c'est vraiment une série que j'apprécie, j'aime la plume et le style de l'auteur et je serai au rendez-vous pour le prochain tome, c'est sûr et certain !
Dans ce deuxième tome, nous suivons cette fois Rian Falwell, le professeur d'art et Damon Louis le coach sportif. Les deux hommes ne s'apprécient pas des masses mais vont être réunis pour le bien d'un étudiant qui manque à leurs cours.
J'ai bien aimé cet opus ! Je m'attendais à la base à un autre personnage rencontré précédemment pour héro principal, mais je pense que ce sera pour la prochaine fois ^^
J'aime le thème des ennemies to lovers, ici on est dedans même si c'est plus subtil. J'aime le style de l'auteur, je pense qu'on accroche ou on accroche...beaucoup moins. J'aime ses introspections, c'est lent, parfois on a l'impression de tourner en rond, mais c'est ce que je préfère à chaque fois !
Rian est intrigué depuis longtemps par Damon, je pense qu'il ne l'aime pas vraiment car justement il lui fait ressentir certaines choses. Il faut dire que Damon a bien souvent le nombril à l'air et ça a le don d'agacer Rian ^^
Damon, c'est un peu la même chose, il n'a jamais pris le temps de discuter avec Rian, et se rend compte qu'il aime passer du temps en sa compagnie.
Il n'y a rien d'original dans cette histoire, nous suivons le rapprochement des deux hommes dans leur objectif commun, à savoir trouver ce que cache Chris et venir en aide à cet étudiant.
Mais ce que j'ai préféré dans ce livre, c'est la forte connexion qu'il y a entre Damon et Rian. L'alchimie est bien là dès le départ, et franchement les suivre tout le long a été pour moi un vrai délice...
Pour ce qui est de l'intrigue principale dira-t-on, je trouve que l'auteur aurait du amener peut-être différemment les choses pour y croire vraiment. Là, ça donnait un peu l'impression qu'il fallait trouver un terrain pour que les deux prof bossent ensemble, même si bon, depuis le temps qu'ils se croisent dans les couloirs, il y aurait eu matière à lol
Le sujet abordé par Damon était intéressant, pas suffisamment exploité à mon sens (j'aurais adoré en avoir tellement plus !), ce qui est surprenant lorsqu'on lit les derniers mots de l'auteur et ce que ce sujet représente pour lui.
La fin maintenant... Bon, là tout va trop vite, pour moi c'était de trop vraiment, épilogue ou pas. Certes, l'auteur offre une jolie fin au couple, mais tout est trop vite expédié à mon goût.
Ceci dit, c'est vraiment une série que j'apprécie, j'aime la plume et le style de l'auteur et je serai au rendez-vous pour le prochain tome, c'est sûr et certain !
November 29, 2020
"What was it like, to want someone that deeply that the thread connecting the two of you was nearly visible?"
📚 Series? Yes, 2nd but can be read as a standalone.
📚 Genre? LGBT Contemporary Romance.
📚 Read for? Carina Press Tours x #NetgalleyNovember 30 Day Review Challenge
📚 Cliffhanger? No.
I'm so happy that I was given the chance by Carina Press to jump into Just Like This after reading its first installment earlier this year. Frankly, the author's writing style is something I enjoy, so I was so excited that this series continues on.
Just Like This still revolves around Albin Academy, this time telling the relationship of the art teacher and the football coach. It's a type of an opposites attract relationship and I loved how slow burning the book's flow was. The tension is sizzling and the build up was so good. I love being caught inside their minds.. it's was truly an awesome experience to see the push and pull between these two hesitant lovers.
If you're a fan of angsty things, you'll enjoy this read, as both our leads have gone through shitty things in life that made them more careful or guarded at their adulthood. There are social class discussions, especially about wealth and privilege. But the deep parts are balanced out by banter, fun, and some steamy scenes, too.
All in all, this story was able to deliver passion and that epilogue is so special to me! I just loved the entire experience! Giving this book all the stars!
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.64/5 ☁
Much thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
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June 10, 2021
4.5
enemies to lovers, opposites attract, trope central but I loved it. These two teachers at Albin Academy, an elite boarding school, must work together to figure out what's going on with one of their star students.
Ryan, the femme gay art teacher is confronted one day by his nemesis, football coach and PE teacher Damon. When they realize that one of their students has been lying to both of them about his whereabouts, the two teachers butt heads about what to do and end up realizing they have a pretty intense connection, but any sort of relationship is gonna take a lot of work.
I think I liked this enemies to lovers because we get both POVS and realize that these two idiots just have a lot of internal struggles about relationships and attachments and that they aren't actually assholes.
You don't have to read the previous book to get this one, but the other characters are mentioned and if you're a slut for HEAs like I am, you will enjoy seeing them in all their sickeningly happy glory.
P.S. this epilogue is the most saccharine thing ever and I loved it.
rep: gay MC, Indigenous gay MC, adoption
enemies to lovers, opposites attract, trope central but I loved it. These two teachers at Albin Academy, an elite boarding school, must work together to figure out what's going on with one of their star students.
Ryan, the femme gay art teacher is confronted one day by his nemesis, football coach and PE teacher Damon. When they realize that one of their students has been lying to both of them about his whereabouts, the two teachers butt heads about what to do and end up realizing they have a pretty intense connection, but any sort of relationship is gonna take a lot of work.
I think I liked this enemies to lovers because we get both POVS and realize that these two idiots just have a lot of internal struggles about relationships and attachments and that they aren't actually assholes.
You don't have to read the previous book to get this one, but the other characters are mentioned and if you're a slut for HEAs like I am, you will enjoy seeing them in all their sickeningly happy glory.
P.S. this epilogue is the most saccharine thing ever and I loved it.
rep: gay MC, Indigenous gay MC, adoption
February 24, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and tbh, I didn’t expect much else.
Cole McCade is a fabulous author whose lyrical, highly detailed writing always sends me into linguistic heaven.
Rian and Damon are deeply complex and unusual characters, both trying to find something they’re dearly missing – a sense of belonging and a place in this world that makes them happy.
I loved the rather hostile vibes between them to start with, the flare of reluctant attraction and suppressed chemistry. Their journey of getting to know each other is fraught with ups and downs and tons of insecurities and misconceptions on both sides. Just my cup of tea!
While I do adore that kind of ‘stuff’, I felt that the emphasis was almost too much on the MCs at times. Imo, Chris’s story is very much side-lined and resolved in a marginally underwhelming way.
Still, this was a good addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to another instalment (maybe about the mysterious Walden?)
Cole McCade is a fabulous author whose lyrical, highly detailed writing always sends me into linguistic heaven.
Rian and Damon are deeply complex and unusual characters, both trying to find something they’re dearly missing – a sense of belonging and a place in this world that makes them happy.
I loved the rather hostile vibes between them to start with, the flare of reluctant attraction and suppressed chemistry. Their journey of getting to know each other is fraught with ups and downs and tons of insecurities and misconceptions on both sides. Just my cup of tea!
While I do adore that kind of ‘stuff’, I felt that the emphasis was almost too much on the MCs at times. Imo, Chris’s story is very much side-lined and resolved in a marginally underwhelming way.
Still, this was a good addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to another instalment (maybe about the mysterious Walden?)
September 29, 2021
I feel I would have liked this more if I had read it over listening to the audio. I didn't completely love the narrator and struggled to connect to the story, I mean the epilogue was my favorite part , it was precious .
October 21, 2020
This review is for the NetGalley ARC: I liked this one better than the first one, particularly how all the moving parts fit together the way they only ever do in fiction. *sigh* The prose is typical Cole McCade. This school is in a pocket universe that I particularly appreciate in 2020, but it does connect with McCade's larger 'universe' -- you'll recognize a name if you've read Criminal Intentions.
This is now my favorite enemies to lovers trope romance. <3
This is now my favorite enemies to lovers trope romance. <3
June 30, 2021
What is it about no protection sex in these novels?? Not even a Q about sexual history before 2 virtual strangers go bareback!! Gotta suspend belief.
It was 3.5 rounded up. These books are just too “fluffy” vs this author’s criminal intentions series and Over and Over again, which is my fave non-criminal intentions book of his.
Just a diff level of depth and feeling. As in, not deep enuf for me.
Ok rounded down.
It was 3.5 rounded up. These books are just too “fluffy” vs this author’s criminal intentions series and Over and Over again, which is my fave non-criminal intentions book of his.
Just a diff level of depth and feeling. As in, not deep enuf for me.
Ok rounded down.
November 9, 2022
I feel like the only reason I keep spinning in circles is because I keep trying to turn away from you, when everything else is trying to turn me back.
I'm usually really pleased to read a longer romance novel. When I see that a romance is about 350 pages or more, usually that means (if I'm lucky) that there's some really meaty characterisation or that it's a slow burn romance. Both of those things I love! This is an author that I've liked a lot in the past, and when I saw that this was almost 400 pages, I thought that I was for sure in for a good time. Sadly, this was a bit of a disappointment. I liked it, but it got on my nerves a lot. This is a book that simply did not need to be this long. For what it is, it would have worked so well as a shorter book.
Rian is an art teacher at a prestigious boy's school, and Damon is the football coach. They've never gotten along before, but mutual concern over a student brings them together. It's sort of enemies to lovers, but in a really diluted way. The plot was fine, the characters were fine. But this was just so damned wordy. The author would take an entire paragraph to say something that could have been summed up in a nice eloquent sentence. He writes beautifully, but sometimes he writes too much. I'm the kind of reader who enjoys getting into characters' heads, and I don't mind if there's more introspection than action. But the way this was written... idk! I didn't like it. This is a problem that I've encountered in some of his other books, but for some reason in this one it was even worse. I could've seen myself liking this book more than I did, because the writing was solid and because the characterisation was good. I didn't fall in love with the romance, but it was cute enough that I don't want to give it a lower rating than this. But I sometimes felt like I couldn't breathe, because the writing was just so choked and cramped. Approaching purple. And again, there was just so much of it. The last few chapters and the epilogue went on foreverrrrr. I got so bored.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Tim Todd, and it was pretty good. He's a new-to-me narrator and I liked his voice. But the same has to be said: the sentences were sometimes so long and so descriptive, it felt like the narrator was running out of breath trying to get the correct pacing and narration. And that did kind of take away from the listening experience. I'm sure I'll enjoy more of McCade's books in the future, but this one just wasn't the best for me.
November 17, 2020
Just Like This could best be described as a tentative love/hate romance. Because while there is a definite adversarial bent to the tensions between Damon and Rian. Their interactions can best be described as charged but wary. Almost like they were waiting each other out during a chess game.
Even more compelling than the seeming "stalemate of wills" between the two, that seems to be going on throughout the first half of the story. Is the way that each of their backstories work in concert with both each other, and that of the present story of their shared charge.
Giving each man a truly "lost boy found" persona. And setting the stage for their emotionally charged romance.
Speaking of personas. A big bravo to author Cole McCade. For his crafting of a more classically styled effeminate lead in the form of Rian. It is not often that softer male roles are highlighted in such positive and face forward fashion.
That still manages to honor his masculinity in the process.
In short. This book is a very well written up close and personal view of two men brought together in the pursuit of a goal greater than themselves. Only to find within each other, a love greater than any they have ever known.
Reviewer's Note
*Thank you to Carina Press and Net Galley for the provision of the review copy of this work on which my honest critique is based.
Just Like This is the second book of the Albin Academy series. But may be read as a standalone.
Even more compelling than the seeming "stalemate of wills" between the two, that seems to be going on throughout the first half of the story. Is the way that each of their backstories work in concert with both each other, and that of the present story of their shared charge.
Giving each man a truly "lost boy found" persona. And setting the stage for their emotionally charged romance.
Speaking of personas. A big bravo to author Cole McCade. For his crafting of a more classically styled effeminate lead in the form of Rian. It is not often that softer male roles are highlighted in such positive and face forward fashion.
That still manages to honor his masculinity in the process.
In short. This book is a very well written up close and personal view of two men brought together in the pursuit of a goal greater than themselves. Only to find within each other, a love greater than any they have ever known.
Reviewer's Note
*Thank you to Carina Press and Net Galley for the provision of the review copy of this work on which my honest critique is based.
Just Like This is the second book of the Albin Academy series. But may be read as a standalone.
April 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as I enjoyed the first in the series. I am not at all a fan of slow burn romance, and this one honestly felt like it was kind of dragging. Still liked it, it was just very slow…
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