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Four Corners #1
Consuming Redemption: Love in the North
Tyler:
Apparently time heals all wounds. Whoever came up with that saying obviously didn't go to school with Lukas Ford. After i made a stupid schoolboy error, Lukas Ford made it his mission to make me wish that i was never born. How can the one person who makes my life a daily living hell be the same person i can't stop wanting. I want to regret the day i first laid eyes on Lukas. I just need to bide my time and get the hell out of this high school.
Lukas:
After a life changing tragedy irrecoverably altered the lives of me and my family, I was left with no other decision to hide who I am to protect those i loved from coming to harm again. High school, is over, yet here i am years later haunted by the man whose face haunts my dreams. I messed up big time in high school, not this time though. One way or another, I am going to make Tyler Dane mine.
Apparently time heals all wounds. Whoever came up with that saying obviously didn't go to school with Lukas Ford. After i made a stupid schoolboy error, Lukas Ford made it his mission to make me wish that i was never born. How can the one person who makes my life a daily living hell be the same person i can't stop wanting. I want to regret the day i first laid eyes on Lukas. I just need to bide my time and get the hell out of this high school.
Lukas:
After a life changing tragedy irrecoverably altered the lives of me and my family, I was left with no other decision to hide who I am to protect those i loved from coming to harm again. High school, is over, yet here i am years later haunted by the man whose face haunts my dreams. I messed up big time in high school, not this time though. One way or another, I am going to make Tyler Dane mine.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2020
35 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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April 28, 2021
There’s something quite definitely wrong with romance authors. They can’t quite seem to grasp assault and battery isn’t ok. I find authors to be engaged in wholesale gaslighting of victims of bullying and abuse. Books like this seem to be saying you must forgive your abuser and take them back into your life. Is this a plot by the patriarchy? Maybe the Christian church? I mean I do remember this thing where priests would counsel wives to forgive their abusive husbands. Maybe romance authors are all just trad wives?
I feel too many people have confused living well with forgive your abuser and become besties with them. You can forgive, but also say I don’t want anything to do with you and this is where the redemption arc would come in. Because the bully would make themselves the kind of person their victim was not only able to forgive, but to want in their life.
Furthermore, do women truly believe males are mindless libidinous creatures. I mean say Henry Cavill bullied you, physically, mentally for three years. Say he viciously punched and kicked you and left you with literal scars. Would you still, in the presence of Henry Cavill find yourself turned on? I don’t think I would. I think I’d hate him and rightfully so. Henry Cavill is so f***king hot I can’t see straight sometimes, but if Henry Cavill did all that to me he’d be ugly. So why can’t romance authors grasp this? I am assuming JS Grey is a woman because I can’t imagine a male would write characters as mindless slaves to cock. And if a male was involved then I can only assume there’s some internalised misandry going on because what this book tells me is if you’re hot males will be ok with literally anything cause they needs to get some.
There’s so few books where I feel second chance was done well. One that comes to mind is a book where the victim hated her abuser. She didn’t consider him attractive because she was just so hurt. He was ugly to her, despite being objectively handsome. Anyway, over the course of a few years he worked to regain her trust and, when he had done so, she found herself attracted to him again. Through the change in character she could see past the ugly. And this was someone who’d never physically hurt her. If I saw the scars of my abuser every time I looked in the mirror I think I’d need way more convincing to want to sleep with him.
Now take this book. Tyler is at the mercy of his dick. He is angry at Luke but finds himself helpless around him. So I really need to know, because this has to be female authors extreme confusion over male bodies, but are you men powerless to your dicks? I mean like, if Hitler was hot would you be all “yeah he’s responsible for some of the worst atrocities mankind has ever known, but I’d sit on his face.” If you were in the presence of someone who made your life a living hell would you be “oh he’s a monster, but check them biceps?”
Second chance is ok if a character truly redeems themselves. But, sadly, the vast majority of second chance authors need to get to the smut ASAP so there’s no redemption. Victim just falls into their bully’s arms by 30% because this is a romance book and the formula dictates there has to be sex in the first third because bored housewives need mommy porn.
Here Tyler’s dreamily kissing Luke one day after re-meeting him. Reminder, this is the guy who left him with literal physical scars from vicious physical bullying. To put into context how deranged this book is, Tyler’s roommate is more angry than Tyler. Yah! Because, I assume, she doesn’t want to fuck him and in romance author’s minds that allows for a level of clarity that those in need of the D, sadly, don’t have.
The thing that bothers me is just how unrealistic everything is. Not just Tyler’s insta-love for his abuser, but the fact Luke’s abuse of Tyler is just shrugged off. I mean if someone physically attacked you whenever you were near them you’d be wary, would you not? This person being around you would be a trigger, surely? Abuse victims often flinch when there’s sudden movements. They certainly would be on guard around their actual abuser. Tyler, however, is having a grand old time with Lukas. Luke can make sudden movements, grab his hand, tower over him and Tyler is loving it more than a fast food clown.
Tyler muses as follows....
“Kids have bullied and beat up other kids since the concept of school started, I imagine, and they can’t have been held to account forever.”
That’s true, but they’re held to account for more than 24 hours, honey.
“But you deserve a second chance. I’m going to give that to you.”
Why exactly does he deserve a second chance? No idea!! He’s done literally nothing at this point to indicate a change in character. Remember, this is a guy who pretended to be nice to get Tyler somewhere secluded so he could beat him up. But, for reasons evident to no one, Tyler’s decided things are different now.
I feel this author doesn’t understand that the reader having information isn’t the same as a character having information. We, the reader, have some of Lukas’s backstory. Tyler has none of this. Literally none!! So why exactly would he so readily, and easily, forgive Lukas? From Tyler’s perspective it’s purely because he’s got the horn, something bad! Whatever drove Lukas to mercilessly bully him for 3 years doesn’t matter to Tyler because squirrel friend, have you seen that jawline?
Thankfully there’s women in this book because they’re the only ones with some sense. Here Tyler’s best friend asks the important questions like “why exactly are we all sitting down for a nice meal with Tyler’s abuser?” When she’s shut down she responds with...
“Do you have any idea what that did to him?” The fire in her eyes burns into me and I can only be thankful that Tyler has someone like this in his corner. I only wish I’d had someone like that for me when I needed it most. “Beating him up every day just because of who he is - do you have any idea what that kind of violence and trauma does to someone?”
Apparently, if you’re Tyler, nothing because who knew some good dicking was the best therapy around. Reminder folks, Luke has given zero explanation for why he, daily... daily, physically and mentally abused Tyler, but he’s given him a blow job so Tyler’s all caught up.
Finally, finally, we get an explanation for why Lukas is such a cunt (Max, Tyler’s best friend’s, words)...
After hearing this story Tyler decides Lukas has been redeemed. That’s not what redemption means. Redemption isn’t an excuse, it’s...noun. an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed. deliverance; rescue.
Lukas’s story is his extenuating circumstances, and I get abuse victims sometimes become abusers, but that doesn’t make it ok. It doesn’t excuse his behaviour. Tyler was abused, by Lukas, and he didn’t turn that abuse into someone else. So where was his redemption because it looks like being a good fuck was the redemption? I DNF’d at this point.
If an author is going to use a plot line like this you have a responsibility to do it properly. Not just use horrific abuse as a coat hanger to drape your second chance plot around. You have to truly resolve and work through what happened and, newsflash, looking vulnerable and guilty, shuffling and looking at your shoes whilst carrying a tin of paint isn’t working through it.
Maybe, after I DNF’d the author realised Lukas needs to atone with something other than his amazing deep throat skills, but I highly doubt it given when he tried to apologise Tyler insists he has nothing to apologise for. Huh?! Yeah he does! He had a horrific childhood, sure, but he made the choice to turn that into a weapon against someone totally innocent.
I feel too many people have confused living well with forgive your abuser and become besties with them. You can forgive, but also say I don’t want anything to do with you and this is where the redemption arc would come in. Because the bully would make themselves the kind of person their victim was not only able to forgive, but to want in their life.
Furthermore, do women truly believe males are mindless libidinous creatures. I mean say Henry Cavill bullied you, physically, mentally for three years. Say he viciously punched and kicked you and left you with literal scars. Would you still, in the presence of Henry Cavill find yourself turned on? I don’t think I would. I think I’d hate him and rightfully so. Henry Cavill is so f***king hot I can’t see straight sometimes, but if Henry Cavill did all that to me he’d be ugly. So why can’t romance authors grasp this? I am assuming JS Grey is a woman because I can’t imagine a male would write characters as mindless slaves to cock. And if a male was involved then I can only assume there’s some internalised misandry going on because what this book tells me is if you’re hot males will be ok with literally anything cause they needs to get some.
There’s so few books where I feel second chance was done well. One that comes to mind is a book where the victim hated her abuser. She didn’t consider him attractive because she was just so hurt. He was ugly to her, despite being objectively handsome. Anyway, over the course of a few years he worked to regain her trust and, when he had done so, she found herself attracted to him again. Through the change in character she could see past the ugly. And this was someone who’d never physically hurt her. If I saw the scars of my abuser every time I looked in the mirror I think I’d need way more convincing to want to sleep with him.
Now take this book. Tyler is at the mercy of his dick. He is angry at Luke but finds himself helpless around him. So I really need to know, because this has to be female authors extreme confusion over male bodies, but are you men powerless to your dicks? I mean like, if Hitler was hot would you be all “yeah he’s responsible for some of the worst atrocities mankind has ever known, but I’d sit on his face.” If you were in the presence of someone who made your life a living hell would you be “oh he’s a monster, but check them biceps?”
Second chance is ok if a character truly redeems themselves. But, sadly, the vast majority of second chance authors need to get to the smut ASAP so there’s no redemption. Victim just falls into their bully’s arms by 30% because this is a romance book and the formula dictates there has to be sex in the first third because bored housewives need mommy porn.
Here Tyler’s dreamily kissing Luke one day after re-meeting him. Reminder, this is the guy who left him with literal physical scars from vicious physical bullying. To put into context how deranged this book is, Tyler’s roommate is more angry than Tyler. Yah! Because, I assume, she doesn’t want to fuck him and in romance author’s minds that allows for a level of clarity that those in need of the D, sadly, don’t have.
The thing that bothers me is just how unrealistic everything is. Not just Tyler’s insta-love for his abuser, but the fact Luke’s abuse of Tyler is just shrugged off. I mean if someone physically attacked you whenever you were near them you’d be wary, would you not? This person being around you would be a trigger, surely? Abuse victims often flinch when there’s sudden movements. They certainly would be on guard around their actual abuser. Tyler, however, is having a grand old time with Lukas. Luke can make sudden movements, grab his hand, tower over him and Tyler is loving it more than a fast food clown.
Tyler muses as follows....
“Kids have bullied and beat up other kids since the concept of school started, I imagine, and they can’t have been held to account forever.”
That’s true, but they’re held to account for more than 24 hours, honey.
“But you deserve a second chance. I’m going to give that to you.”
Why exactly does he deserve a second chance? No idea!! He’s done literally nothing at this point to indicate a change in character. Remember, this is a guy who pretended to be nice to get Tyler somewhere secluded so he could beat him up. But, for reasons evident to no one, Tyler’s decided things are different now.
I feel this author doesn’t understand that the reader having information isn’t the same as a character having information. We, the reader, have some of Lukas’s backstory. Tyler has none of this. Literally none!! So why exactly would he so readily, and easily, forgive Lukas? From Tyler’s perspective it’s purely because he’s got the horn, something bad! Whatever drove Lukas to mercilessly bully him for 3 years doesn’t matter to Tyler because squirrel friend, have you seen that jawline?
Thankfully there’s women in this book because they’re the only ones with some sense. Here Tyler’s best friend asks the important questions like “why exactly are we all sitting down for a nice meal with Tyler’s abuser?” When she’s shut down she responds with...
“Do you have any idea what that did to him?” The fire in her eyes burns into me and I can only be thankful that Tyler has someone like this in his corner. I only wish I’d had someone like that for me when I needed it most. “Beating him up every day just because of who he is - do you have any idea what that kind of violence and trauma does to someone?”
Apparently, if you’re Tyler, nothing because who knew some good dicking was the best therapy around. Reminder folks, Luke has given zero explanation for why he, daily... daily, physically and mentally abused Tyler, but he’s given him a blow job so Tyler’s all caught up.
Finally, finally, we get an explanation for why Lukas is such a cunt (Max, Tyler’s best friend’s, words)...
After hearing this story Tyler decides Lukas has been redeemed. That’s not what redemption means. Redemption isn’t an excuse, it’s...noun. an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed. deliverance; rescue.
Lukas’s story is his extenuating circumstances, and I get abuse victims sometimes become abusers, but that doesn’t make it ok. It doesn’t excuse his behaviour. Tyler was abused, by Lukas, and he didn’t turn that abuse into someone else. So where was his redemption because it looks like being a good fuck was the redemption? I DNF’d at this point.
If an author is going to use a plot line like this you have a responsibility to do it properly. Not just use horrific abuse as a coat hanger to drape your second chance plot around. You have to truly resolve and work through what happened and, newsflash, looking vulnerable and guilty, shuffling and looking at your shoes whilst carrying a tin of paint isn’t working through it.
Maybe, after I DNF’d the author realised Lukas needs to atone with something other than his amazing deep throat skills, but I highly doubt it given when he tried to apologise Tyler insists he has nothing to apologise for. Huh?! Yeah he does! He had a horrific childhood, sure, but he made the choice to turn that into a weapon against someone totally innocent.
dnf-bcuz-narrator-not-4-me
August 22, 2021Audio review only
DNF couldn't get past chapter ten because of the narrator's stilted and dispassionate performance.
DNF couldn't get past chapter ten because of the narrator's stilted and dispassionate performance.
February 16, 2021
Wow just wow. Stunning, beautiful story. Wonderfully written, applause!
J. S. Grey made the right choice... start writing a novel! A debut full-length novel ha! and what a story it is.
The story starts in the year 2001 Tyler Dane is a 16 years old high schooler.
Tyler is heavily bullied by Lukas, when I say heavily I mean heavily. Bruises, blood, death wishes, and homophobic slurs.
It’s all terrible palpable, I felt the hurt, devastating.
After years of recovering from years at high school, Tyler is stronger and more confident now.
He’s shocked meeting Lukas at a party of a mutual friend and Lukas trying to be nice. Wtf!
I was like... please Tyler don’t give in, DON’T give in. Dang, he gave in.
It sounds crazy but after all these years Tyler still has a weakness for Lukas.
Letting Lukas in, is a wise decision? Time will tell.
So far just a tip of the iceberg.
I was so afraid the story would falter or going flat, writing consistently hurtful content is difficult and hard work. Thank goodness it didn’t disappoint, I’ll tell you it was even better than I could hope for. Because, wow a lot is happening here. I’m not gonna spoil that would be awful.
But believe me, it’s captivating AF, it’s not an easy road for them and there is a lot of hurt revealed. It’s a full-on story, well developed, nothing superficial to find, the author didn’t choose the simple way like a little bit of hurt, comfort and tada everything is okay, no there is a mountain of difficulties to find. For a good balance, there is also enough fun and joy to find and a bunch of sexiness.
Besides the main characters, there are two beautiful people I want to highlight: Max and Dawn, two die-hard friends from respectively Tyler and Lukas.
The last part of the story is just... the best, so fulfilling and satisfying for a reader!
It was a beautifully developed, awesomely written narrative, engaging, well balanced with the right dynamic.
I read it with nails in my hand, grinding teeth, my stomach hurt, my heart broke, I smiled, laughed, and cried with both men. They could forgive and look beyond, how wonderful can you be?
I’m gonna stop this review, you got the picture, it’s an amazing story!
Highly recommended!
FYI: The main themes are High School Bully / Enemies to Lover Romance. Tragedy and Betrayal, Snarky Best Friend Side Kick, M/M Erotic Romance.
J. S. Grey made the right choice... start writing a novel! A debut full-length novel ha! and what a story it is.
The story starts in the year 2001 Tyler Dane is a 16 years old high schooler.
Tyler is heavily bullied by Lukas, when I say heavily I mean heavily. Bruises, blood, death wishes, and homophobic slurs.
It’s all terrible palpable, I felt the hurt, devastating.
After years of recovering from years at high school, Tyler is stronger and more confident now.
He’s shocked meeting Lukas at a party of a mutual friend and Lukas trying to be nice. Wtf!
I was like... please Tyler don’t give in, DON’T give in. Dang, he gave in.
It sounds crazy but after all these years Tyler still has a weakness for Lukas.
Letting Lukas in, is a wise decision? Time will tell.
So far just a tip of the iceberg.
I was so afraid the story would falter or going flat, writing consistently hurtful content is difficult and hard work. Thank goodness it didn’t disappoint, I’ll tell you it was even better than I could hope for. Because, wow a lot is happening here. I’m not gonna spoil that would be awful.
But believe me, it’s captivating AF, it’s not an easy road for them and there is a lot of hurt revealed. It’s a full-on story, well developed, nothing superficial to find, the author didn’t choose the simple way like a little bit of hurt, comfort and tada everything is okay, no there is a mountain of difficulties to find. For a good balance, there is also enough fun and joy to find and a bunch of sexiness.
Besides the main characters, there are two beautiful people I want to highlight: Max and Dawn, two die-hard friends from respectively Tyler and Lukas.
The last part of the story is just... the best, so fulfilling and satisfying for a reader!
It was a beautifully developed, awesomely written narrative, engaging, well balanced with the right dynamic.
I read it with nails in my hand, grinding teeth, my stomach hurt, my heart broke, I smiled, laughed, and cried with both men. They could forgive and look beyond, how wonderful can you be?
I’m gonna stop this review, you got the picture, it’s an amazing story!
Highly recommended!
FYI: The main themes are High School Bully / Enemies to Lover Romance. Tragedy and Betrayal, Snarky Best Friend Side Kick, M/M Erotic Romance.
March 6, 2021
Sorry, but this story is horrible. I'm all for the second chance love trope, also the bully to lover trope, read several of really good ones over the years. But this? This one is just plain fucked up.
Tyler was a fucked up walking- talking punching bag every day of high school by this equally fucked up closeted bully, and not talking about the regular slur throwing bullying or the whispering and mocking or even a few pushes here and there. Noooo! These were violent attacks, needing stitches and needing help getting home after a beating kind of attacks, being told you should kill yourself kind of attacks. And what Tyler do? He goes and romanticize his attacker, falls for him, tries to justify him and then blames his body for popping wood whenever he sees Luke. Just a fake little smile and a couple half assed kind words and he's falling all over himself to be near Luke and kisses him only to end up humiliated and bleeding all over the floor, yet again.
Years pass and they meet again, supposedly over the high school bullshit and does Luke explains himself, apologizes or begs forgiveness? Noooo! He acts like nothing happened, like they've been best buds all the time and even has the nerve to get possessive and jealous over Tyler. And of course, little messed up Tyler ends up forgetting everything Luke did because oh surprise! He looks soo HOT! That definitely makes it all better right?
Nope, just nope...
The only good thing about this book was Max, she won the single star in my rating.
Romanticizing and justifying stuff like this over a handsome face and a hot body should not be ok.
Kinks I get, taboos I get, second chances, age gaps, you name it.
This story's plot? Definitely something I don't get and won't even try to.
I'm sure the author must have some other books that are good, but this one was severely disappointing in every way.
Tyler was a fucked up walking- talking punching bag every day of high school by this equally fucked up closeted bully, and not talking about the regular slur throwing bullying or the whispering and mocking or even a few pushes here and there. Noooo! These were violent attacks, needing stitches and needing help getting home after a beating kind of attacks, being told you should kill yourself kind of attacks. And what Tyler do? He goes and romanticize his attacker, falls for him, tries to justify him and then blames his body for popping wood whenever he sees Luke. Just a fake little smile and a couple half assed kind words and he's falling all over himself to be near Luke and kisses him only to end up humiliated and bleeding all over the floor, yet again.
Years pass and they meet again, supposedly over the high school bullshit and does Luke explains himself, apologizes or begs forgiveness? Noooo! He acts like nothing happened, like they've been best buds all the time and even has the nerve to get possessive and jealous over Tyler. And of course, little messed up Tyler ends up forgetting everything Luke did because oh surprise! He looks soo HOT! That definitely makes it all better right?
Nope, just nope...
The only good thing about this book was Max, she won the single star in my rating.
Romanticizing and justifying stuff like this over a handsome face and a hot body should not be ok.
Kinks I get, taboos I get, second chances, age gaps, you name it.
This story's plot? Definitely something I don't get and won't even try to.
I'm sure the author must have some other books that are good, but this one was severely disappointing in every way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2021
I found this story unconvincing and not believable in its attempt to redeem one MC's actions towards the other MC. Lucas physically and mentally assaulted Tyler routinely for over 4 years of middle and high school. We're not talking about teasing and pranks. We're talking seriously assaulted him. And we are to believe that Tyler ever wants to have anything to do with Lucas again? Forgiveness is one thing, but to fall in love with your abuser and have a HEA? Not believable. Someone who is that physically and emotionally abusive (Lucus) AND someone being that abused (Tyler) as young men would require lots of psychological therapy to overcome their demons. None was explained in this story. There was so much that didn't ring true in this book. If Lucas was so abused as a child, why weren't the authorities called in? There would have been physical signs of the abuse and teachers/pastors/neighbors should have noticed. Lucas's mother's actions in regards to her son's abuse were heinous She didn't provide protection as a parent should have and then blames the child. (We later learn some of the reason why, but the mother's tears fell on my deaf ears after so long of a wait to reveal her reasoning.) There were also technical issues with this story. There were many punctuation and grammatical errors, as well as two chapters in the incorrect order. (Chapters 16 and 17) This causes much confusion for the reader as events are out of time and throws the story off. You have to re-read those chapters in the proper order to understand the actions of the characters. Overall, the tropes of the "ugly duckling becoming a swan" and the "misunderstood bad boy becoming a good guy", with the addition of "Bad/good guy having a life-threatening illness which reunites the doomed couple" just didn't fly with me.
December 3, 2021
2.5 Stars
I wanted to like this one more than I did. I had issues with the relationship between the two guys. I didn't buy it to be honest.
I usually like a good redemption story but in these stories I need a few things for it to work, regret, acknowledgment and an apology to make the redemption side work, here Lukas understands and acknowledges what he did was wrong and harmful but it took him till 55% before he apologized to Tyler for his actions and this was after they had slept together. That should have been one of the first conversations they had.
So we have Lukas who bullied Tyler throughout his high school years. We're talking both verbal and physical abuse for years and yet when they met up a couple of years later they got together without a lot of work done by Lukas to get Tyler onside. I just don't buy it that Tyler was attracted to his abuser.
I did feel for Lukas and understood where his fear came from, but I just needed him to do more in regards to Tyler.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
I wanted to like this one more than I did. I had issues with the relationship between the two guys. I didn't buy it to be honest.
I usually like a good redemption story but in these stories I need a few things for it to work, regret, acknowledgment and an apology to make the redemption side work, here Lukas understands and acknowledges what he did was wrong and harmful but it took him till 55% before he apologized to Tyler for his actions and this was after they had slept together. That should have been one of the first conversations they had.
So we have Lukas who bullied Tyler throughout his high school years. We're talking both verbal and physical abuse for years and yet when they met up a couple of years later they got together without a lot of work done by Lukas to get Tyler onside. I just don't buy it that Tyler was attracted to his abuser.
I did feel for Lukas and understood where his fear came from, but I just needed him to do more in regards to Tyler.
*** Arc provided by GRR. This is my honest and voluntary review ***
September 25, 2021
87% dnf. Very childish
Want to read
April 27, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/27/2021)! 🎁
March 5, 2021
DNF
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
I gave this my best shot, but there is too much wrong with this book.
This author needs to invest in a good proofreader to correct all the (several) typos, mixed tenses, and pacing and continuity issues. (has the author ever heard of that little thing called a 'comma'?)
The book is frustratingly wordy, with superfluous discriptions of environment and actions.
The story/plot development is just unbelievable.
The story started out really well and held my attention during the high school section, but as soon as the "three years later" section started, the whole storyline just fell apart.
These are issues that an experienced beta reader could have helped correct.
I made it to almost 50% then just gave up.
Better luck next time.
Meanwhile, I would suggest that the author pull the book and resubmit once the book has reached publishing quality.
Returned for refund.
Cannot recommend.
Two stars for a super cover.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
I gave this my best shot, but there is too much wrong with this book.
This author needs to invest in a good proofreader to correct all the (several) typos, mixed tenses, and pacing and continuity issues. (has the author ever heard of that little thing called a 'comma'?)
The book is frustratingly wordy, with superfluous discriptions of environment and actions.
The story/plot development is just unbelievable.
The story started out really well and held my attention during the high school section, but as soon as the "three years later" section started, the whole storyline just fell apart.
These are issues that an experienced beta reader could have helped correct.
I made it to almost 50% then just gave up.
Better luck next time.
Meanwhile, I would suggest that the author pull the book and resubmit once the book has reached publishing quality.
Returned for refund.
Cannot recommend.
Two stars for a super cover.
February 22, 2021
Consuming Redemption: Love in the North is an all-consuming, gut wrenching love story by JS Grey.
From Lucas' first day at school, Tyler gets off on the wrong foot with him. Now, fours years later, he's still bullied and hated, while Lucas is the popular guy.
Oh Tyler. He's someone I want to hug and protect from the start. The only gay guy in school, he stands no chance against Lucas and his friends. It's awful to see what he has to endure each day.
But then there's Lucas, who's living a lie, as the closeted jock. He secretly enjoys his interactions with Tyler, but can't let his defenses down.
What a tough read. Fast forward and the two men meet again. Damn, these two ooze chemistry. They are seriously amazing together. Even once they're together, things aren't easy. I cried. I bawled. But damn I love these men and know they aren't perfect. But, omg. The ups and downs killed me.
It's not always easy to redeem a former bully, but the author does just that. And does it well. Learning about Lucas's past had be bawling for the man. Good god, I wasn't ready for that.
Some people are publicly bullied while others are bullied in private. Both kinds of bullying leave a person forever changed. And damn, the author powerfully illustrates this.
Good god, the only consolation I have is that people's experiences make them who they are. Had these two not suffered so much, they might have never gotten to a place of loving each other. Yes, I know, they aren't real people. But don't yell at me. Blame the author for creating such lovable and realistic characters. And, yes, that is one of the greatest compliments one can give to an author. Let alone a new author.
Written in present tense, it isn't my preferred writing style. But other than the tense, I enjoy the rest of the writing. It's written in alternating povs, bringing both men fully alive. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Consuming Redemption is one hell of a love story. I can't recommend this JS Grey book enough. Be sure to put some time aside for this one, because you won't want to put it down.
From Lucas' first day at school, Tyler gets off on the wrong foot with him. Now, fours years later, he's still bullied and hated, while Lucas is the popular guy.
Oh Tyler. He's someone I want to hug and protect from the start. The only gay guy in school, he stands no chance against Lucas and his friends. It's awful to see what he has to endure each day.
But then there's Lucas, who's living a lie, as the closeted jock. He secretly enjoys his interactions with Tyler, but can't let his defenses down.
What a tough read. Fast forward and the two men meet again. Damn, these two ooze chemistry. They are seriously amazing together. Even once they're together, things aren't easy. I cried. I bawled. But damn I love these men and know they aren't perfect. But, omg. The ups and downs killed me.
It's not always easy to redeem a former bully, but the author does just that. And does it well. Learning about Lucas's past had be bawling for the man. Good god, I wasn't ready for that.
Some people are publicly bullied while others are bullied in private. Both kinds of bullying leave a person forever changed. And damn, the author powerfully illustrates this.
Good god, the only consolation I have is that people's experiences make them who they are. Had these two not suffered so much, they might have never gotten to a place of loving each other. Yes, I know, they aren't real people. But don't yell at me. Blame the author for creating such lovable and realistic characters. And, yes, that is one of the greatest compliments one can give to an author. Let alone a new author.
Written in present tense, it isn't my preferred writing style. But other than the tense, I enjoy the rest of the writing. It's written in alternating povs, bringing both men fully alive. It's amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Consuming Redemption is one hell of a love story. I can't recommend this JS Grey book enough. Be sure to put some time aside for this one, because you won't want to put it down.
February 18, 2021
I don't know if I can express the gamut of emotions I went through reading this. Such hatred for Lukas and putting Tyler through such chaos and brutality when he knew what it would do to him, thinking a simple sorry would suffice after a few years since they last saw each other to kind of shipping them then distraught after a big shock. I loved the chemistry, very hot coupling and funny best friend, the redemption arc and how Lukas had to work for forgiveness from Tyler and it wasn't smooth sailing. Tyler was an amazing character and I'm awed at his strength and courage, Lukas, so very flawed and heartbreaking but really grew into someone I could love and appreciate as a man, his backstory was incredibly sad and heartwrenching it just made me feel for him even more. A phenomenal debut and has definitely made my top ten books of all time.
February 17, 2021
3.5 stars
This book contains descriptions of intense bullying, homophobia, and trauma of various kinds. The author has a gift for describing emotions: they definitely helped me to empathize with Tyler strongly in the early chapters, where depictions of the physical and emotional damage Lukas’ inflicted were so vivid that even the revelations later in the novel didn’t wholly shift my perspective on him. There are a lot of twists and turns in this novel, and they’re all intense. I don’t know if the final version of this novel has trigger warnings (the ARC I reviewed does not) but I think they’re warranted: the topics, and the way they’re handled, pull no punches. It’s difficult to say more without spoilers, but while it was easy to get pulled into the narrative and there are some truly interesting supporting characters, I also felt conflicted about Lukas as a character and overwhelmed by the overall arc of the narrative, which was A LOT: if you can think of a bad thing, odds are, it happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book contains descriptions of intense bullying, homophobia, and trauma of various kinds. The author has a gift for describing emotions: they definitely helped me to empathize with Tyler strongly in the early chapters, where depictions of the physical and emotional damage Lukas’ inflicted were so vivid that even the revelations later in the novel didn’t wholly shift my perspective on him. There are a lot of twists and turns in this novel, and they’re all intense. I don’t know if the final version of this novel has trigger warnings (the ARC I reviewed does not) but I think they’re warranted: the topics, and the way they’re handled, pull no punches. It’s difficult to say more without spoilers, but while it was easy to get pulled into the narrative and there are some truly interesting supporting characters, I also felt conflicted about Lukas as a character and overwhelmed by the overall arc of the narrative, which was A LOT: if you can think of a bad thing, odds are, it happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2021
Amazing!
I do enjoy a really good redemption story. This was sooooo good. It got me right in the feels and ripped my heart out all while putting it back together again. Lukas was a horrible bully in high school to Tyler and years later they are both still trying to put the past behind them. Once these guys do get together and Tyler forgives Lukas it isn’t all smooth sailing. They both have some major issues and triggers from the past but it all works out and gives them their HEA. This was my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading more. The characters in this have so much depth and I found myself crying and loving right along with them both. This book sucks you in and pulls you through every page.
I do enjoy a really good redemption story. This was sooooo good. It got me right in the feels and ripped my heart out all while putting it back together again. Lukas was a horrible bully in high school to Tyler and years later they are both still trying to put the past behind them. Once these guys do get together and Tyler forgives Lukas it isn’t all smooth sailing. They both have some major issues and triggers from the past but it all works out and gives them their HEA. This was my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading more. The characters in this have so much depth and I found myself crying and loving right along with them both. This book sucks you in and pulls you through every page.
February 16, 2021
Consuming Redemption is about forgiving and letting go of the past. Tyler has been bullied through high school by Lukas. Lukas has a secret and dealing with his past. Years later after high school, they bump into each and Lukas wants to be friends with Tyler but he can't let go of the past. They are still attracted to each and Tyler decides to give Lukas a chance. Their romance is sweet, angst, romantic, funny, some intense moments, heartache and very emotional but these two get their happily ever after.
February 17, 2021
Wow
What can I say !!!! I have been through every emotion with this book. From wanting to punch Lukas in the face (several times) when Tyler and him were kids in school. To total disbelief at the nerve of the man when they bump into each other a few years later. To awww i hope they get together (even though I was shouting at my kindle "make him grovel more") To anger when Lukas let Tyler down in such a cruel way. To sadness and worry when Lukas gets some devastating news.
This is a new author for me cannot wait for the next book.
Highly recommend getting to know Lukas and Tyler you won't be disappointed.
I received this book as a Arc for a honest review.
What can I say !!!! I have been through every emotion with this book. From wanting to punch Lukas in the face (several times) when Tyler and him were kids in school. To total disbelief at the nerve of the man when they bump into each other a few years later. To awww i hope they get together (even though I was shouting at my kindle "make him grovel more") To anger when Lukas let Tyler down in such a cruel way. To sadness and worry when Lukas gets some devastating news.
This is a new author for me cannot wait for the next book.
Highly recommend getting to know Lukas and Tyler you won't be disappointed.
I received this book as a Arc for a honest review.
April 28, 2021
Emotional, lovely read!
This is my first book by JS Grey and I was enthralled from start to finish! This story is full of emotion and angst with amazing characters that make you fall in love with them. I felt like I was in an emotional rollercoaster ride! If you're looking for a story that will rip your heart out, put it back then tear it out again and rip it to shreds before putting it back together and tenderly replacing it then this story is for you.
This is my first book by JS Grey and I was enthralled from start to finish! This story is full of emotion and angst with amazing characters that make you fall in love with them. I felt like I was in an emotional rollercoaster ride! If you're looking for a story that will rip your heart out, put it back then tear it out again and rip it to shreds before putting it back together and tenderly replacing it then this story is for you.
February 18, 2021
I like a good bully romance, but this book was just exhausting to read. I enjoyed the writing, so I am still looking forward to this author's next work.
February 19, 2021
This was a good read, pretty angsty. My only issue with the story was towards the end when Tyler was apologizing for what happened with Caleb as he was not the one in the wrong there.
February 17, 2021
Wild emotional ride
Whew! That was a tough one. But soooo worth it! I loved Lukas’s redemption story. The back and forth between him and Tyler was a bit exhausting but also, well executed.
There was one part where we jumped forward and back in time and that was a bit disorienting. Other than that, this was an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Whew! That was a tough one. But soooo worth it! I loved Lukas’s redemption story. The back and forth between him and Tyler was a bit exhausting but also, well executed.
There was one part where we jumped forward and back in time and that was a bit disorienting. Other than that, this was an amazing debut and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
June 5, 2021
Enemies to Lovers with major plot twist
At first I was not impressed when Tyler and Lukas first met back up and got together because it seemed that Tyler was ignoring what Lukas did to him almost immediately. He did bring it up a few times but it seemed he was quick to brush it off. I was happy when Dawn found out and Max and they did speak their minds about their dislike for his actions. Eventually Tyler finally was able to really explore his true feelings and prior anger and it also gave Lukas an opportunity to really speak a deep dark secret he harbored and truly repent for his actions. Then the plot twist with Lukas really did pop up and I'm glad it played out like it did because it gave both Tyler and Lukas the space to really understand their feelings for each other and to truly grow on their own. Great book.
At first I was not impressed when Tyler and Lukas first met back up and got together because it seemed that Tyler was ignoring what Lukas did to him almost immediately. He did bring it up a few times but it seemed he was quick to brush it off. I was happy when Dawn found out and Max and they did speak their minds about their dislike for his actions. Eventually Tyler finally was able to really explore his true feelings and prior anger and it also gave Lukas an opportunity to really speak a deep dark secret he harbored and truly repent for his actions. Then the plot twist with Lukas really did pop up and I'm glad it played out like it did because it gave both Tyler and Lukas the space to really understand their feelings for each other and to truly grow on their own. Great book.
February 18, 2021
wonderful book. Intense, moving. A pleasant reading
March 13, 2021
This book was a rollercoaster, it's full of emotions and you fall in love with the characters with every page. I cried and laugh and get angry too and that's something just a few authors are really capable to do with their books. So, yes, for me it's fully 5 stars and I'm looking forward to the next books!!!
April 5, 2021
I'm going to start with a TRIGGER WARNING in relation to the bullying and homophobia in this book. Neither of these things are ever excusable and affect people long after the perpetrator forgets, however, in this book they are contextual but definitely upsetting.
I found the beginning of this book incredibly hard to read. Not just because of the bullying and homophobia but because it brought home to me that I'm old and out of touch!!! I don't speak or think in a mix of English and Americanisms. I was distracted by mix of language and contacted the author to discuss. Having that sorted out I found it much easier to settle into the story.
And what a story it was!!!!! From enemies to lovers and then some!!! This was an emotional rollercoaster with regular stops for scorching hot fornication. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again and then I cried a lot but mainly I couldn't put the book down to the point that I kept reading it until 4.30am and I had a pile of soggy snotty tissues beside my bed (tmi, I know!)
The two main characters are tortured souls; one by life, one by the other. We meet them at various stages of their lives, watching them grow from boys to men, enemies to lovers, with a chemistry fizzing through the words. They are supported by a great supporting cast of characters right from the beginning. From the bully boy best friend to Thor to hideous family members and of course the gay best friend; they are all brilliantly written and amazing in their own right bringing humour, love, balance and fullness to the story as a whole.
The story itself has great pace and flow; other than my initial stumbles because of my own misunderstandings, there was nothing that could stop me from reading this book, not a awkward pause, an uncomfortable scene, a snoring husband, nothing. This book wanted to be read, cover to cover in one go!!
Apparently this is JS Grey's first book, and I'm pleased to say that I'm in at the beginning of the journey as if this is the worst he can offer I can't wait to read what he writes when he's really trying!!!! He is going to be flying high in the best sellers lists.
I'm totally recommending this book for your Kindle today but you will need tissues!!! xx
I found the beginning of this book incredibly hard to read. Not just because of the bullying and homophobia but because it brought home to me that I'm old and out of touch!!! I don't speak or think in a mix of English and Americanisms. I was distracted by mix of language and contacted the author to discuss. Having that sorted out I found it much easier to settle into the story.
And what a story it was!!!!! From enemies to lovers and then some!!! This was an emotional rollercoaster with regular stops for scorching hot fornication. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again and then I cried a lot but mainly I couldn't put the book down to the point that I kept reading it until 4.30am and I had a pile of soggy snotty tissues beside my bed (tmi, I know!)
The two main characters are tortured souls; one by life, one by the other. We meet them at various stages of their lives, watching them grow from boys to men, enemies to lovers, with a chemistry fizzing through the words. They are supported by a great supporting cast of characters right from the beginning. From the bully boy best friend to Thor to hideous family members and of course the gay best friend; they are all brilliantly written and amazing in their own right bringing humour, love, balance and fullness to the story as a whole.
The story itself has great pace and flow; other than my initial stumbles because of my own misunderstandings, there was nothing that could stop me from reading this book, not a awkward pause, an uncomfortable scene, a snoring husband, nothing. This book wanted to be read, cover to cover in one go!!
Apparently this is JS Grey's first book, and I'm pleased to say that I'm in at the beginning of the journey as if this is the worst he can offer I can't wait to read what he writes when he's really trying!!!! He is going to be flying high in the best sellers lists.
I'm totally recommending this book for your Kindle today but you will need tissues!!! xx
March 24, 2021
Heartbreaking yet hopeful. After suffering years of abuse from a fellow classmate, Tyler has finally moved on and built a life for himself in college. But bumping into his former tormentor reopened all those old feelings. And the heart wants what it shouldn't want. Lukas wants to make amends for being a jerk all those years ago and finally gets Tyler to talk with him. As their friendship grows and they become lovers, we learn some horrible things about Lukas's past. Wanting to stay spoiler free, a few events take place that really test their love for each other. Plenty of tears but the ending was just so perfect for Tyler and Lukas. Loved this book!
March 21, 2021
This story is a tough and intense read, there are triggers here, school bullying, murder, and extreme parental abuse. It's a roller-coaster of a story with so many emotions running through it, the story of Tyler and Lukas will have you laughing at times and crying at times through these pages. An amazing, outstanding read, a first from this author but he has another one coming soon.
March 13, 2021
This is an emotional, heartbreaking, intense and dramatic. When Lukas and Tyler first meet there's an instant, intense attraction between them. Tyler's interest was obvious, and everyone noted it. Lukas needed to not acknowledge it if he wanted to be part of the in crowd, and he did, so he became Tyler's worst nightmare. The verbal and physical abuse he gave to Tyler was brutal and constant. When they graduated Tyler left and he never looked back. He became a strong, confident and outgoing young man. Then 3 years later Tyler went to a party with his roommate, and he found himself face to face with Lukas. Lukas tried to apologize for his behavior, but Tyler wasn't interested. Lukas didn't give up until he finally got Tyler to talk, but the talking quickly led to them becoming intimate. There are so many twists to the story. Parts of it are heart wrenching, I cried for both of them, and other parts are so sweet. I was glued to the story from start to finish, my emotions all over the place. It was worth all the tears at the end.
March 18, 2021
I got to be honest, the beginning of this was tough for me to read. Tyler had been bullied by Lukas and his friends all thru high school. So it was hard for me to forgive Lukas when he and Tyler met again while in college. Then we get Lukas’s back story and it helped me to keep going. The story ended up being an emotional roller coaster for me. I ended up loving the way it ended. There are some really great secondary characters like Dawn and Max, loved them! Overall, I ended up really enjoying the story.
January 23, 2020
Consuming Redemption is an easy read with powerful moments, twists and thoroughly detailed descriptions. Lukas and Tyler's story is spicy, hot and unpredictable but also depicting a down to earth relationship; the kind of story anyone can experience. You can find through these characters your friend, your colleague or your next door neighbor. But the intensity of their feelings is next level. Highly recommend!
August 13, 2022
I was infuriated by this book. Men have brains. Actual thinking brains. To believe that Tyler can magically forget that Lucas abused him. This wasn't just bullying, this was repeated actual assault that left scars. At one point I was thinking Matthew Shepherd because it was so bad. I'm tired of authors who believe men are completely at the mercy of their dicks.
February 26, 2021
Tyler was bullied by Lukas and his friends through out high school and Tyler couldn't wait to graduate. Three years after graduation, Tyler runs into Lukas at a party. Lukas tells Tyler he's sorry and wants to be friends but Lukas wants more than friendship. I enjoyed this book.
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