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Uncovered
People keep themselves covered in many ways. But, sometimes, it’s not possible—and someone’s looking.
Jake postpones buying curtains for his new apartment. At one point, he notices that a man from the building across keeps watching him every morning. Jake then confronts the guy, whom he considers a stalker.
Thomas is not actually a stalker and is put off by Jake’s aggressive tendencies. Even so, they continue interacting and a bond starts forming. Jake develops romantic interest in Thomas but refuses to admit it and struggles with getting them to be closer. Along the way, he discovers that Thomas hates aggression because he had dealt with domestic violence in his past.
They both need to overcome their respective fears and change. Will they succeed—or fail and fall apart?
Reader advisory: This book contains discussion of stalking, mention of suicide, descriptions of physical, emotional and metal abuse, and discussion of a main character's history of abuse.
Jake postpones buying curtains for his new apartment. At one point, he notices that a man from the building across keeps watching him every morning. Jake then confronts the guy, whom he considers a stalker.
Thomas is not actually a stalker and is put off by Jake’s aggressive tendencies. Even so, they continue interacting and a bond starts forming. Jake develops romantic interest in Thomas but refuses to admit it and struggles with getting them to be closer. Along the way, he discovers that Thomas hates aggression because he had dealt with domestic violence in his past.
They both need to overcome their respective fears and change. Will they succeed—or fail and fall apart?
Reader advisory: This book contains discussion of stalking, mention of suicide, descriptions of physical, emotional and metal abuse, and discussion of a main character's history of abuse.
- GenresM M Romance
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Noja Lina
4 books5 followersNew writer on the romance block, Noja Lina likes writing uplifting contemporary romance stories. These stories are centered around engaging male characters, usually dealing with personal struggles alongside love struggles.
Noja lives in Romania, specifically Transylvania. When she’s not working at her full-time job or working on one of her stories, she enjoys her one-sided love relationship with various forms of Asian media, enjoys adding another cooking fail to the collection and hanging out with friends over a cold beer.
Noja lives in Romania, specifically Transylvania. When she’s not working at her full-time job or working on one of her stories, she enjoys her one-sided love relationship with various forms of Asian media, enjoys adding another cooking fail to the collection and hanging out with friends over a cold beer.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 2, 2022
This was such a lovely story...
It started with a guy smoking in his balcony while he was watching his front building's neighbour...
“If I did that, I would have been exactly like her. I don’t like it when people are mean and selfish like that. That’s the main reason she stopped being beautiful.”
“And you’re less beautiful up close. Just like I thought…”
“Why am I not beautiful from up close anymore?”
“You’re aggressive. You even threw a ceramic flowerpot at me with the risk of hitting someone else’s window. You were ready to start a fight on a crowded bus, not caring how much you’d inconvenience a lot of people around you. But being under the impression that you’re being stalked can make you prone to that kinda attitude, so I can’t really hold it against you. However, I don’t like seeing aggression. So, eventually, I’ll stop watching, even from far away.”
A self-discovery journey and of each other, where falling is love was so natural, so real, so sweet...
Full of tenderness...
The person was what matter not the gender.
“So, drop the formalities and touch me some more - however you like.”
“What are you saying, Jake? A few months ago, you found it gross when another guy called you beautiful. This last month’s stress is really taking a toll on your mind.”
“I don’t think like that anymore. And it’s not caused by stress. You said it yourself that I’m changing right under your eyes.”
“You are. Or maybe I’m just discovering different sides of you.”
“So, discover me some more.”
“Later, maybe, when your mind will function normally.”
Jake kissed Thomas like he had been starving for it. He pressed and sucked on Thomas’ lips until he gained access into his mouth. He let their tongues tangle while he wrapped his arms tightly around Thomas’ head, locking him in that close proximity. Kissing Thomas and taking in his hot breath was like drinking honey mixed with lava, igniting Jake’s insides and filling him with insatiable thirst for physical contact. He pressed his whole body against Thomas and took his lower lip between his teeth. Thomas finally placed his hands on Jake’s naked back before they slowly slid toward the floor. Thomas pulled Jake closer, seemingly trying to cover as much skin as possible.
“You’re beautiful, Jake, inside and out,” he whispered into Jake’s hair.
“No, not really, Thomas.”
“As long as I can still sometimes see your smile through all of those, yes.” Thomas got to see Jake’s smile right then and there, so he thought it would be a good moment to say something he had been thinking about.
“I’m not sure how this’ll come out, since I don’t remember ever saying it before, but… I love you, Jake. Thank you for appearing in my life, constantly reappearing and stubbornly staying in it.”
Jake’s eyes became wet and sparkly.
“Uh, there’s something I need to tell you, too.
I love you, Thomas Pierce! I can’t find the words to explain how much”
“Thomas?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I move in with you?”
“Oh God, please do! I hate it so much when you leave.”
“Are you sure? You’ll probably never get rid of me once you hand me the key.”
“Just one thing I’d like to request about our future place, if we ever get one.”
“What’s that?”
“No curtains.”
February 15, 2022
4.5 stars. What a beautiful gem this was!
There were turns I didn’t see come at all.
It turned from something quite light, into something deadly serious, admirably not in an oppressive way.
Jake doesn’t like the guy from the other building, he’s always looking straight at him, smoking his cigarettes on his balcony, it’s more staring, and it makes Jake quite uncomfortable.
It’s time to confront the stalker! Jake does confront him, quite aggressively.
Thomas is not stalking, he has other motives, and he doesn’t like the guy who approached him so aggressively. He’s got enough of people who are aggressive and abusive. Jake seems just another in the row.
Jake understands Thomas is not a stalker and quite something else, they have conversations.
He’s even getting a little obsessed with Thomas, he wants to get to know him thoroughly.
Both men are in a complicated situation, and after every interaction, we get to know them more, layer by layer is revealed.
Believe me, there’s a lot to know, a LOT.
As I said, the story starts quite light, it could go any way, I didn’t expect the way it turned.
In my opinion, the author did an amazing job with the delicate course of the story.
It felt all real, honest and while nothing is sugar-coated it was bearable to read, shocking at times but put down in a way so it was manageable.
I found it a good solid read, it was fascinating, with depth, the seriousness was beautifully entwined with some adorable moments, both men have attractive and strong characters, the evolving trust was a sight to see, there were some raw educating moments. Still, the story felt really uplifting.
Overall a good balanced, intriguing, story!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
There were turns I didn’t see come at all.
It turned from something quite light, into something deadly serious, admirably not in an oppressive way.
Jake doesn’t like the guy from the other building, he’s always looking straight at him, smoking his cigarettes on his balcony, it’s more staring, and it makes Jake quite uncomfortable.
It’s time to confront the stalker! Jake does confront him, quite aggressively.
Thomas is not stalking, he has other motives, and he doesn’t like the guy who approached him so aggressively. He’s got enough of people who are aggressive and abusive. Jake seems just another in the row.
Jake understands Thomas is not a stalker and quite something else, they have conversations.
He’s even getting a little obsessed with Thomas, he wants to get to know him thoroughly.
Both men are in a complicated situation, and after every interaction, we get to know them more, layer by layer is revealed.
Believe me, there’s a lot to know, a LOT.
As I said, the story starts quite light, it could go any way, I didn’t expect the way it turned.
In my opinion, the author did an amazing job with the delicate course of the story.
It felt all real, honest and while nothing is sugar-coated it was bearable to read, shocking at times but put down in a way so it was manageable.
I found it a good solid read, it was fascinating, with depth, the seriousness was beautifully entwined with some adorable moments, both men have attractive and strong characters, the evolving trust was a sight to see, there were some raw educating moments. Still, the story felt really uplifting.
Overall a good balanced, intriguing, story!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
February 6, 2022
Uncovered is the perfect name for this book. The author brings strong characters and does a wonderful job pulling at your emotions with the issues dealt with in this story as she peels away layers of fear,anxiety and pain due to abuse and the insecurities while dealing with it all. Her characters are strong and supportive and as the story unfolds their trust and love grows. It's a well written book with all the feels,moves quickly and smoothly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
February 16, 2022
This book is something special that had me smiling throughout
This book is like no other that I’ve read in the sense of the interactions between these two men just had me smiling. So Jakes just bought a new place he hasn’t had time or money to buy curtains when he notices a couple months in that the guy in the flat opposite watches him every morning. And it starts to annoy him. But then they meet at a bus stop and they get talking in a most awkward conversation Thomas I think just likes to look and stare and see the world around him but it does come across as weird at times.
These two start to interact more and it’s the weirdest friendship I’ve ever seen you’ve got Jake who is totally blown away and doesn’t see what he’s really feeling and then you’ve got Thomas he’s calm patient it’s just a thoroughly well written book and I absolutely adored it. I can’t stop smiling now even as I write this review.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Noja Lina and I am super excited to read more from this author.
This book is a real slow burn for sure but you won’t be disappointed you’ll be smiling throughout this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is like no other that I’ve read in the sense of the interactions between these two men just had me smiling. So Jakes just bought a new place he hasn’t had time or money to buy curtains when he notices a couple months in that the guy in the flat opposite watches him every morning. And it starts to annoy him. But then they meet at a bus stop and they get talking in a most awkward conversation Thomas I think just likes to look and stare and see the world around him but it does come across as weird at times.
These two start to interact more and it’s the weirdest friendship I’ve ever seen you’ve got Jake who is totally blown away and doesn’t see what he’s really feeling and then you’ve got Thomas he’s calm patient it’s just a thoroughly well written book and I absolutely adored it. I can’t stop smiling now even as I write this review.
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Noja Lina and I am super excited to read more from this author.
This book is a real slow burn for sure but you won’t be disappointed you’ll be smiling throughout this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2022
This was not for me, the writing was strange, both the MC’s were off and then changed so drastically through the book. It almost felt unrealistically juvenile
February 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I hope the author continues with another featuring Jake's best friend Steve as MC.
The reason I took 1 star off is because I didn't really feel Thomas' epiphany or transition toward the change to cut out the negative people in his life. It felt a little abrupt. Maybe it's just me.
Anyway I absolutely want to read more from this author.
The reason I took 1 star off is because I didn't really feel Thomas' epiphany or transition toward the change to cut out the negative people in his life. It felt a little abrupt. Maybe it's just me.
Anyway I absolutely want to read more from this author.
January 10, 2022
Still reading it. Looks great so far. I'll update with an edit here after finishing it.
January 10, 2022
I can't wait to read it, sounds like I'll love it! 5 stars to encourage author-nim!
February 23, 2022
A kind of quirky tale, something quite different but very enjoyable. Both Thomas and Jake flitted in and out of favour with me all the way through this story, I've never been so confused about who I liked or didn't. Besides the crazy, cute, and weird growing relationship between these two there are triggers, hints of stalking, recollections of severe family abuse, and a rather intense visit to a safe house for the spousal abused, with graphic description of their injuries, be careful if this bothers you but it is dealt with in a respectful way, especially the small abuse children. A compelling story.
July 26, 2022
This was so cuuuuute!
Bueno, en verdad es una historia bien triste pero con un final muy lindo y tierno.
Leo los personajes y me pregunto si realmente existe gente así.
Una lectura muy cortita pero muy bien escrita!
Bueno, en verdad es una historia bien triste pero con un final muy lindo y tierno.
Leo los personajes y me pregunto si realmente existe gente así.
Una lectura muy cortita pero muy bien escrita!
September 11, 2022
So nuanced and layered, but real.
When I picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what I’d be getting. The blurb drew me in and I had to know more. I mean, these two guys seemed so wrong for each other, but it’s so right. I liked the dynamics of the characters and how they found their way. This wasn’t a light story. It’s complicated and can be messy. But that’s what’s great about it. This book reads like life.
Jake doesn’t like being stared at by the guy across the way. The discomfort of being stared at isn’t his idea of fun so he does something about it. As with life, this isn’t the best way to handle the situation. Thomas doesn’t like aggressive men. He’s fascinated by Jake, but he’s also put off, too. When Jack confronts him, the behavior freaks him out and he’s not wild about aggressive people.
These two men are layered and complicated…and as I said, messy. They’ve got their hang-ups and it’s like reading life. It’s like reading about people I knew, and I could relate to them. That’s what made this book for me. Can they change? Adapt? Make this work? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
I’m going to look for more by this author because this book snagged me. I suggest you try it, too.
When I picked up this book, I wasn’t sure what I’d be getting. The blurb drew me in and I had to know more. I mean, these two guys seemed so wrong for each other, but it’s so right. I liked the dynamics of the characters and how they found their way. This wasn’t a light story. It’s complicated and can be messy. But that’s what’s great about it. This book reads like life.
Jake doesn’t like being stared at by the guy across the way. The discomfort of being stared at isn’t his idea of fun so he does something about it. As with life, this isn’t the best way to handle the situation. Thomas doesn’t like aggressive men. He’s fascinated by Jake, but he’s also put off, too. When Jack confronts him, the behavior freaks him out and he’s not wild about aggressive people.
These two men are layered and complicated…and as I said, messy. They’ve got their hang-ups and it’s like reading life. It’s like reading about people I knew, and I could relate to them. That’s what made this book for me. Can they change? Adapt? Make this work? You’ll have to keep reading to find out.
I’m going to look for more by this author because this book snagged me. I suggest you try it, too.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews