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Hearts on the Line #1
Unwrapping His Heart
Matt is sexy, single, and fabulous. His career at a fancy magazine is going from strength to strength. He has great friends, a nice flat, and a healthy bank account. Life is wonderful.
In truth, Matt is unhappy. Convinced he’s not worthy of love, he flits from club to bar, in search of temporary amnesia from the demon on his shoulder that tells him he’s never going to find “the one”. Which is ironic, because his heart already belongs to the one man he knows he can never have—his straight best friend, Zeke.
Zeke has always dated women. He can’t fathom why he’s so upset about Matt’s latest lover, the wildly successful and attractive Dieter, but refuses to accept that he’s jealous, because to do that, he might have to do some soul-searching of his own.
Meeting Dieter turns Matt’s ordered life on its head, and opens Matt’s mind to the possibility that he can make a meaningful connection. However, to take a gamble on love, Matt has to learn to trust people with his secrets. And, more importantly, to overcome his shame regarding the one part of him he refuses to change. If he can’t – or won’t – learn to love himself, it’s doubtful anyone else will see the real man behind the mask.
The only question is whether he’s brave enough.
In truth, Matt is unhappy. Convinced he’s not worthy of love, he flits from club to bar, in search of temporary amnesia from the demon on his shoulder that tells him he’s never going to find “the one”. Which is ironic, because his heart already belongs to the one man he knows he can never have—his straight best friend, Zeke.
Zeke has always dated women. He can’t fathom why he’s so upset about Matt’s latest lover, the wildly successful and attractive Dieter, but refuses to accept that he’s jealous, because to do that, he might have to do some soul-searching of his own.
Meeting Dieter turns Matt’s ordered life on its head, and opens Matt’s mind to the possibility that he can make a meaningful connection. However, to take a gamble on love, Matt has to learn to trust people with his secrets. And, more importantly, to overcome his shame regarding the one part of him he refuses to change. If he can’t – or won’t – learn to love himself, it’s doubtful anyone else will see the real man behind the mask.
The only question is whether he’s brave enough.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2018
9 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Vin George
7 books63 followersVin George is a queer author of contemporary and paranormal MM romance.
He lives in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands with a long-suffering spouse and their teenage offspring.
Vin is powered by caffeine, and is a slave to the voices in their head, which he tries – with the help of said caffeine – to turn into books.
Vin’s pronouns are they/them and he/him.
He lives in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands with a long-suffering spouse and their teenage offspring.
Vin is powered by caffeine, and is a slave to the voices in their head, which he tries – with the help of said caffeine – to turn into books.
Vin’s pronouns are they/them and he/him.
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March 24, 2022Time of death 77%
This book is exhausting and frustrating !!! I hate Matt with all my heart !! He’s a selfish piece of shit with no self esteem. A dirty liar without any principles.
Thank fuck they didn’t have sex (anal) before I dnfed. I couldn’t have read it anyway.
The blurb is misleading. It’s not Matt who’s hurting and lost. Zeke is !! A virgin sweetheart confused about his sexuality (he’s definitely demi ) pinning over his housemate/bff and was hurting because his bff was an A grade manwhore.
It was already not easy to know that Matt had a “relationship” with someone else (pet peeve of mine ) and I skipped that part, I didn’t need a reminder of how amazing their sex life was, how many times they fucked and where they fucked every 5 pages thank you fucking much !!
(I’ve been told it didn’t last long and there wasn’t any explicit sex scene (which is not that true) that’s why I decided to give it a shot)
Besides when he fucked up with Zeke and hurt him, he run away like a chicken shit being angry at Zeke like he was the one who blew things up between them and lied to him for 12 years, went to stay in Dieter (ex fuck buddy ) flat for days (5 or 6 looooong chapters!) wearing his clothes, sleeping in his arms while ignoring Zeke texts and calls. He even asked Dieter to fuck him (by the way he would still be with him if Dieter didn’t break up with him in the first place )
!! The douchebag was already involved with Zeke. Dieter was a better man then Matt could ever be , he turned him down because of Zeke and because he was in love with someone else.
You sick fuck you should’ve stayed with your precious Dieter and leave Zeke alone. He doesn’t deserve an ex hooker turned in the biggest manwhore of London who has no problem cheating on his partner.
I feel bad for his “son”(kind of adopted ) having such a father figure!
“Hey kiddo I used to sell my body to support your mum while she was pregnant and then helping her raising you. Sorry I left and moved away because I needed a better place (means richer guys ) to make a lot more money for me, your mum and you until I got a decent job of course without no banging the boss policy. Your daddy is very big slut and needs his mouth and ass hole to be full all the time ”
Damn Zeke I wish you would dump his ugly ass and find someone else who deserves someone like you.
I highly don’t recommend.
This book is exhausting and frustrating !!! I hate Matt with all my heart !! He’s a selfish piece of shit with no self esteem. A dirty liar without any principles.
Thank fuck they didn’t have sex (anal) before I dnfed. I couldn’t have read it anyway.
The blurb is misleading. It’s not Matt who’s hurting and lost. Zeke is !! A virgin sweetheart confused about his sexuality (he’s definitely demi ) pinning over his housemate/bff and was hurting because his bff was an A grade manwhore.
It was already not easy to know that Matt had a “relationship” with someone else (pet peeve of mine ) and I skipped that part, I didn’t need a reminder of how amazing their sex life was, how many times they fucked and where they fucked every 5 pages thank you fucking much !!
(I’ve been told it didn’t last long and there wasn’t any explicit sex scene (which is not that true) that’s why I decided to give it a shot)
Besides when he fucked up with Zeke and hurt him, he run away like a chicken shit being angry at Zeke like he was the one who blew things up between them and lied to him for 12 years, went to stay in Dieter (ex fuck buddy ) flat for days (5 or 6 looooong chapters!) wearing his clothes, sleeping in his arms while ignoring Zeke texts and calls. He even asked Dieter to fuck him (by the way he would still be with him if Dieter didn’t break up with him in the first place )
!! The douchebag was already involved with Zeke. Dieter was a better man then Matt could ever be , he turned him down because of Zeke and because he was in love with someone else.
You sick fuck you should’ve stayed with your precious Dieter and leave Zeke alone. He doesn’t deserve an ex hooker turned in the biggest manwhore of London who has no problem cheating on his partner.
I feel bad for his “son”(kind of adopted ) having such a father figure!
“Hey kiddo I used to sell my body to support your mum while she was pregnant and then helping her raising you. Sorry I left and moved away because I needed a better place (means richer guys ) to make a lot more money for me, your mum and you until I got a decent job of course without no banging the boss policy. Your daddy is very big slut and needs his mouth and ass hole to be full all the time ”
Damn Zeke I wish you would dump his ugly ass and find someone else who deserves someone like you.
I highly don’t recommend.
September 17, 2018
Talk about a slow burn of a book. I can't say I minded though I got really invested in each of the characters and I really really really wanted things to work out for them.
Matt with his past, the way he grew up, the trouble of being out and proud that he had, was all so well developed of a background I couldn't help but fall for him - he has some quirks which, again, are a struggle, but finding yourself in the world isn't supposed to be easy.
Zeke was another one with some home life issues - he's struggling to put into words who he is - I can't say much about his current family issues but damn if that wasn't totaly relatable - and totaly so well written and true to life.
Dieter was an interesting fellow, I had a hard time sometimes reading his language barrier words - granted the whole book is english so there were a lot of words I didn't quite get - but his written accent made me think he was so distinguished and fancy - which I guess he is.
I think throwing a new individual into Zeke & Matt's life was just what the Dr. ordered - it was a whirlwind and had many ups and downs (btw I think my favourite quote was the use of "drama llama" - literally, can't get enough). By the end you're dying for that happy ending that everyone deserves! There was minimal smut - just enough to spice things up, and I was totaly happy about that - I can't wait for the next book in the series, honestly, I need to know more about a few of the characters and how their lives plan out.
Matt with his past, the way he grew up, the trouble of being out and proud that he had, was all so well developed of a background I couldn't help but fall for him - he has some quirks which, again, are a struggle, but finding yourself in the world isn't supposed to be easy.
Zeke was another one with some home life issues - he's struggling to put into words who he is - I can't say much about his current family issues but damn if that wasn't totaly relatable - and totaly so well written and true to life.
Dieter was an interesting fellow, I had a hard time sometimes reading his language barrier words - granted the whole book is english so there were a lot of words I didn't quite get - but his written accent made me think he was so distinguished and fancy - which I guess he is.
I think throwing a new individual into Zeke & Matt's life was just what the Dr. ordered - it was a whirlwind and had many ups and downs (btw I think my favourite quote was the use of "drama llama" - literally, can't get enough). By the end you're dying for that happy ending that everyone deserves! There was minimal smut - just enough to spice things up, and I was totaly happy about that - I can't wait for the next book in the series, honestly, I need to know more about a few of the characters and how their lives plan out.
September 17, 2018
You absolutely must embark upon on Matt’s journey in ‘Unwrapping His Heart’ by Karrie George. With her debut novel, Ms. George takes us through Matt’s trials and tribulations as he finds peace with himself, and the true love he deserves.
Matt Lee has a successful magazine career, is kind and sweet, with great friends, and is living comfortably. Unsettled however, Matt is promiscuous – or really more like a free spirit. But, he’s harboring a secret that he has only entrusted to his friend, Zeke.
Zeke Thomas’ career takes him inside the classroom where he shapes young minds, and he is the stuff best friends are made of. He and Matt own a flat together and truly care for one another.
Dieter Sørensen, a high powered and wealthy executive, sweeps into Matt and Zeke’s world when he hires Matt as an artist for work in his London home. Dieter is young, handsome, and giving – in general, one of the “nice guys”.
There is an immediate sexual connection between Dieter and Matt, and they share a brief monogamous, yet sexually intense relationship, that eventually dies to smoldering embers as they both realize that they are not what the other desires. However, not before causing strife between Matt and Zeke. But why?
Zeke, struggles with his feelings. Never giving much credence to sex, he’s confused as to why it is such an intense desire for others. He’s content with his life with Matt and the friendly snuggles and passing kisses they share.
Matt is also battling, to be his true self, and Zeke is there for support and reassurance. Unfortunately, this puts a translucent wall between him and Dieter, but their friendship is unmarred and remains strong despite this, strictly because of the honesty and trust they share.
With intense, well-developed characters, and a strong plot, Karrie George has delivered a stunning first novel. At times it seems we might see a sweet ménage emerge between the three men but alas, the characters are true to her design.
As you partake in the men’s experiences in Unwrapping His Heart there is a true feeling of being alongside these guys, not as an outsider looking in. And while their paths are often difficult, the delivery, care, and obvious dedication to the characters, makes their journey special, unique, and beautiful. Kudos to Karrie George!
Matt Lee has a successful magazine career, is kind and sweet, with great friends, and is living comfortably. Unsettled however, Matt is promiscuous – or really more like a free spirit. But, he’s harboring a secret that he has only entrusted to his friend, Zeke.
Zeke Thomas’ career takes him inside the classroom where he shapes young minds, and he is the stuff best friends are made of. He and Matt own a flat together and truly care for one another.
Dieter Sørensen, a high powered and wealthy executive, sweeps into Matt and Zeke’s world when he hires Matt as an artist for work in his London home. Dieter is young, handsome, and giving – in general, one of the “nice guys”.
There is an immediate sexual connection between Dieter and Matt, and they share a brief monogamous, yet sexually intense relationship, that eventually dies to smoldering embers as they both realize that they are not what the other desires. However, not before causing strife between Matt and Zeke. But why?
Zeke, struggles with his feelings. Never giving much credence to sex, he’s confused as to why it is such an intense desire for others. He’s content with his life with Matt and the friendly snuggles and passing kisses they share.
Matt is also battling, to be his true self, and Zeke is there for support and reassurance. Unfortunately, this puts a translucent wall between him and Dieter, but their friendship is unmarred and remains strong despite this, strictly because of the honesty and trust they share.
With intense, well-developed characters, and a strong plot, Karrie George has delivered a stunning first novel. At times it seems we might see a sweet ménage emerge between the three men but alas, the characters are true to her design.
As you partake in the men’s experiences in Unwrapping His Heart there is a true feeling of being alongside these guys, not as an outsider looking in. And while their paths are often difficult, the delivery, care, and obvious dedication to the characters, makes their journey special, unique, and beautiful. Kudos to Karrie George!
September 18, 2018
Unwrapping His Heart is one of those precious books that is so wonderful that I found myself looking for more books by the author while I was still reading it. Unfortunately, this is Karrie George's debut novel. So, now I will be not-so-patiently waiting for her next one!
This book is exquisite, as we follow Matt on his journey towards embracing his true self, and finding love. Along the way, we are able to fully feel and experience emotion and action along with Matt, as we are completely taken into his world.
Matt's been in love with his roommate, and straight best friend, Zeke for years. Zeke, the only one who knows Matt's secret, fully supports his friend and wants his friend to find someone who can except all of him, his secret and all. Zeke is definitely a great friend, even if he turns Matt down anytime Matt hits on him.
After being hired by Dieter, Matt originally fights the attraction he has to this new and eccentric man, since getting involved with anyone would mean he'd have to reveal his secret. Dieter is an interesting character. He's rich, he's bisexual, and he is very matter of fact about his attraction towards Matt. At the beginning, I found their relationship to be very mechanical, without a lot of build up or feelings. In the end, this makes perfect sense and it was exactly what Matt needed.
You can't help but to route for Matt to find love, and to learn to love himself. He has endured a lot of hardships in his life, and has not only survived, but has far exceeded anyone's expectations. It's inspiring to see a character do whatever is necessary to rise above everything he's faced, as well as to help others.
This story is extremely multi-layered, and will take you on some unexpected paths. The characters are well developed, and are all wonderful in their own unique ways. Each man fully contributes to one another's growth as a person. That said, this is not a menage, but rather a long and winding road towards finding true love.
Unwrapping His Heart contains secrets, complications, jealousy, family abuse, homeless flashbacks, and more. It follows a character who is confused, and in turmoil over coming out, as well as having gay sex. Karrie George has far exceeded any of my expectations, as I am left feeling like I am a better person for having read this book.
This book is exquisite, as we follow Matt on his journey towards embracing his true self, and finding love. Along the way, we are able to fully feel and experience emotion and action along with Matt, as we are completely taken into his world.
Matt's been in love with his roommate, and straight best friend, Zeke for years. Zeke, the only one who knows Matt's secret, fully supports his friend and wants his friend to find someone who can except all of him, his secret and all. Zeke is definitely a great friend, even if he turns Matt down anytime Matt hits on him.
After being hired by Dieter, Matt originally fights the attraction he has to this new and eccentric man, since getting involved with anyone would mean he'd have to reveal his secret. Dieter is an interesting character. He's rich, he's bisexual, and he is very matter of fact about his attraction towards Matt. At the beginning, I found their relationship to be very mechanical, without a lot of build up or feelings. In the end, this makes perfect sense and it was exactly what Matt needed.
You can't help but to route for Matt to find love, and to learn to love himself. He has endured a lot of hardships in his life, and has not only survived, but has far exceeded anyone's expectations. It's inspiring to see a character do whatever is necessary to rise above everything he's faced, as well as to help others.
This story is extremely multi-layered, and will take you on some unexpected paths. The characters are well developed, and are all wonderful in their own unique ways. Each man fully contributes to one another's growth as a person. That said, this is not a menage, but rather a long and winding road towards finding true love.
Unwrapping His Heart contains secrets, complications, jealousy, family abuse, homeless flashbacks, and more. It follows a character who is confused, and in turmoil over coming out, as well as having gay sex. Karrie George has far exceeded any of my expectations, as I am left feeling like I am a better person for having read this book.
September 18, 2018
3.75 out of 5 stars
Unwrapping His Heart by Karrie George is a m/m contemporary romance that follows Matt Lee as he works his way through relationships that prompt him to reexamine his priorities and insecurities. His connection to a sexy business mogul complicates his comfortable long-term relationship with his roommate and forces him to decide what is most important in his life, no matter how painful the revelation might be.
This is the first story in the ‘Hearts on the Line’ series and centers on the premise that one must be comfortable in one’s own skin before asking someone else to accept the entire package. I thought the story was mostly a slow burn for the romance but there were several intriguing twists that gave more depth to the main characters. I enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and I think the author did a great job of highlighting the broad spectrum of sexuality in this story. It was a little difficult to understand some of the interconnections with the secondary characters and at first I thought this was a sequel but I think some of the dangling threads are being addressed in subsequent stories.
Some of the story felt a bit like a series of vignettes that are tied together but I think that is partly due to the challenges of establishing the series. There are poignant elements that make one ache for all of the lost souls but it would be nice to get a bit more depth to all of the characters. This was an entertaining light read and I look forward to learning more about these folks in subsequent tales.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
Unwrapping His Heart by Karrie George is a m/m contemporary romance that follows Matt Lee as he works his way through relationships that prompt him to reexamine his priorities and insecurities. His connection to a sexy business mogul complicates his comfortable long-term relationship with his roommate and forces him to decide what is most important in his life, no matter how painful the revelation might be.
This is the first story in the ‘Hearts on the Line’ series and centers on the premise that one must be comfortable in one’s own skin before asking someone else to accept the entire package. I thought the story was mostly a slow burn for the romance but there were several intriguing twists that gave more depth to the main characters. I enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and I think the author did a great job of highlighting the broad spectrum of sexuality in this story. It was a little difficult to understand some of the interconnections with the secondary characters and at first I thought this was a sequel but I think some of the dangling threads are being addressed in subsequent stories.
Some of the story felt a bit like a series of vignettes that are tied together but I think that is partly due to the challenges of establishing the series. There are poignant elements that make one ache for all of the lost souls but it would be nice to get a bit more depth to all of the characters. This was an entertaining light read and I look forward to learning more about these folks in subsequent tales.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
September 18, 2018
An intriguing story with amazing characters that touched my heart. There is a lot going on in this book but the main story is Matt's journey of self discovery. Matt is a beautiful, complex, loyal, determined and sweet man who has finally landed on his feet after many years of struggle after he left home for his own safety. Even though Matt and Zeke are best friends and roommates who are incredibly close Matt has not told him everything that happened in his past. Zeke accepts Matt for who he is and wants him to be true to himself even if other people may not understand. They have many obstacles to face if they change their relationship but it will be worth it in the end. There are a few surprises and twists in this story that I really like and I love the secondary characters. Dieter is my favorite and I love how sweet, protective and understanding he is with Matt. I hope we get his story soon as he deserves his own HEA. I look forward to reading the next book in this great new series.
September 18, 2018
Unwrapping His Heart by Karrie George is a story about being true to yourself and your heart. I absolutely loved Matt and the depth that the author gave him. The characters are complex and full of life. The plot is engaging and keeps you wanting to turn the page. There were a couple of parts where the story seemed to lag, but it would quickly pick up again.
Matt has to learn how to trust others and to open his heart, but he's afraid. Afraid of people learning his secrets, that he isn't worthy of love, and so much more. And on top of that, he is in love with his best friend. Dieter comes in and sweeps him off of his feet, and Zeke, the best friend, is jealous. All three of them have truths to face and need to figure out what they really want...before they miss out on something amazing.
I really liked this book and highly recommend you one click it today. 4 stars.
Matt has to learn how to trust others and to open his heart, but he's afraid. Afraid of people learning his secrets, that he isn't worthy of love, and so much more. And on top of that, he is in love with his best friend. Dieter comes in and sweeps him off of his feet, and Zeke, the best friend, is jealous. All three of them have truths to face and need to figure out what they really want...before they miss out on something amazing.
I really liked this book and highly recommend you one click it today. 4 stars.
September 9, 2018
Unwrapping His Heart is Book number one in the Hearts On The Line series by Karrie George. This is Matt Lee’s story.
Matt feels that he has to hide who he really is from others. He is able be himself with Zeke his longtime friend and roommate. Matt would like their relationship to be more but doesn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize their friendship. He meets Dieter who is an attractive wealthy man. They are immediately attracted to one another. Is Dieter Matt’s true love or is it Zeke?
This is Matt journey on finding peace with himself and true love. Matt’s journey was not an easy one but in the end he found it.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a M/M gay romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Matt feels that he has to hide who he really is from others. He is able be himself with Zeke his longtime friend and roommate. Matt would like their relationship to be more but doesn’t want to do anything that would jeopardize their friendship. He meets Dieter who is an attractive wealthy man. They are immediately attracted to one another. Is Dieter Matt’s true love or is it Zeke?
This is Matt journey on finding peace with himself and true love. Matt’s journey was not an easy one but in the end he found it.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a M/M gay romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 16, 2018
Complicated and steamy story about accepting and loving yourself. Finding love can be an amazing journey. Friendships are complex and even after years of knowing someone, they can surprise you. Matt had some very cathartic experiences in this story with his mom and sister and with Zeke.
This is an interesting story and well worth the reading. My favorite character was Dieter and i so want more of his story!
I was gifted this book from Gay Book Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
This is an interesting story and well worth the reading. My favorite character was Dieter and i so want more of his story!
I was gifted this book from Gay Book Promotions and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
September 18, 2018
This was the story of Matt learning to love and accept himself, as much as it was the story of him finding love with someone else who would love and accept him. There are so many interesting characters here, and I really enjoyed the story. Zeke had his own struggles with embracing his true feelings, and these guys broke my heart several times. I was so happy with the way things were resolved in the end, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 8, 2018
*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
This is George’s debut novel and it was a good read! I really enjoyed the characters and their different dynamics. Small part of me thought it would end up being an MMM novel but I was still happy with how it ended - MMM would have just been a bonus! A great start to a series and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series when it is released.
This is George’s debut novel and it was a good read! I really enjoyed the characters and their different dynamics. Small part of me thought it would end up being an MMM novel but I was still happy with how it ended - MMM would have just been a bonus! A great start to a series and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series when it is released.
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September 17, 2018A good well-written debut novel.
Friends to Lovers.
Friends to Lovers.
September 18, 2018
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku
Matt is an editor of a very popular magazine, who can't complain about the lack of work, and yet, as an artist, he doesn't have many opportunities to be fulfilled and his lack of faith in his own skills doesn't help. So when from one of his friends he receives a commission for a mural for a young millionaire, Matt needs some time to think it over. In the end, however, he makes the decision thanks to which Dieter – rich, extremely handsome and perfect in every possible way – appears in his life. From the very first meeting, it's impossible to hide their mutual attraction, unfortunately Matt has some secrets that he can't share with the object of his current erotic fantasies. One of them is about Matt's weakness that some people don't understand and can't accept, and only Zeke – his best friend and his other secret – knows. As the thing is that Matt has been hopelessly in love with his heterosexual friend for many years. However, when Zeke shows signs of jealousy of Matt's new lover, everything begins to change and the closed door leading to the wishes coming true starts to open.
"Unwrapping His Heart", the first volume of the newly created series "Hearts on the Line", from the very beginning raises many important topics that undoubtedly are the main advantage of this novel. And it's also worth noting that the author often shows each problem from at least two angles, which we should really appreciate. One of the themes presented in this way is hiding who we really are. In my opinion it's also the most important problem for the main character. I think that every reader should be able to understand this and often put himself/herself in Matt's place, because in the end there will always be something that is important to us, that is an integral part of our existence, and that some people won't understand if we tell them about it. With precisely this kind of hardship, Matt has to fight every day, and although his little secret doesn't suffocate him, he doesn't treat it as something unimportant. But what is important in this case, is that in his life there is someone who knows him well, fully accepts him and even encourages him to be himself. This is a clear contrast to what has happened to this man in the past, as well as to a situation in which Matt is respected, although he is not fully accepted. As it is all about preferences in the subject of clothing, I really like the fact that in this very context the author raised the problem of equality of the sexes. In the end, it is impossible not to notice that while women have the full right to wear male clothes, if we reverse the situation everything looks completely different. For sure it is a problem worth talking about, in the hope that people will understand it someday and something will change.
Friendship with its numerous ups and downs is another important subject raised in the novel. This topic is essential because in the large part the plot of "Unwrapping His Heart" revolves around it. Because Karrie George presented Matt as a person surrounded by various friends, we can find here a whole lot of problems related to them. For example, we have, among others, a theme of the transition from lovers to friends and from friends to lovers, a problem of a breakup of mates who until now have been a couple, or the already mentioned problem of full acceptance of who we are. And these are just a few of the major issues to which the author refers in this story. What's more, in the context of friendship, Karrie George also raised the problem of trust – building, rebuilding and undermining it. Note that this last aspect of the topic the author presented as a double-edged sword, because to some extent she showed us how even the unconscious lack of trust of one person can lead to the same from the other, and then the problem comes full circle, which is almost endless, until someone finally decides to stop it for good. With all this in mind, I admit that I really love the fact that the author presented friendship as something that brings not only joy but also worry.
Another serious problem presented in "Unwrapping His Heart" and at the same time another advantage of this novel is the juxtaposition of family violence caused by the lack of acceptance of the other person and his sexuality, the consequences of such a state of affairs and the salutary comfort of being fully accepted. Although this is not the main theme of the book, it undoubtedly occupies an important place in it, because that's what shaped the main character and caused that when we meet him for the first time, he is in this particular point on the timeline of his life. To a large extent it also has an impact on the events taking place in the novel and more clearly outlines Matt as a character. On the other hand, that's how the author gives the readers hope. First of all, she proves that even from a hopeless situation we can emerge victorious, if only we take matters into our own hands. Secondly, she shows that man's value is what he is at the moment, not what he must have done to survive, or the past that hunts him. Everyone has the right to be happy and loved.
Despite all these advantages, the novel has several cons, and one of them is the fact that our insight into the feelings of the main character seems to me a bit limited. As for the amount of shed tears, I would expect more emotional outpourings. And I'm not talking about conversations between Matt and other characters, but about the narrative, as sometimes it is not very detailed in terms of feelings. I also expected a little more from Zeke, who just started to discover himself, after he has considered himself heterosexual for years. When I was going through it, I was not much younger than him and having no one to talk to about it, I took some sheets of paper and I wrote everything down so that I would not go crazy from all the questions that were multiplying in my head. That's why it seems to me that Zeke should show some more emotions related to what is happening in his life. However, at least in my opinion, in "Unwrapping His Heart" we can find one subject that is too often discussed – food and drinks. Sometimes I had the impression that the characters are going through life from meal to meal, from tea to tea, from a glass of wine to a glass of wine. At one point I even thought with amusement: "and some say that Polish people drink a lot of alcohol!". For a novel that has nothing to do with cooking, there's really too much about food and drinks.
In conclusion, "Unwrapping His Heart" is a very good literary debut and a promising beginning of a really great series. Karrie George raises many difficult topics that are very important not only for the LGBT+ community, but generally for all of us, and tries to present them from many different angles. What's more, this novel has some great characters, sexual tension and big love. In short, this book is really worth reading.
________________________
Matt jest redaktorem bardzo popularnego magazynu, który na brak pracy narzekać nie może, a jednak jako artysta nie ma wielu okazji do spełnienia, w czym wcale nie pomaga mu brak wiary we własne umiejętności. Kiedy więc jeden z przyjaciół proponuje mu zaprojektowanie i wykonanie fresku dla pewnego młodego milionera, Matt nie od razu się na to zgadza. W końcu jednak podejmuje decyzję, za sprawą której w jego życiu pojawia się Dieter, bogaty, nieziemsko przystojny i pod każdym względem idealny. Już od pierwszego spotkania ich wzajemnego przyciągania nie sposób ukryć, niestety Matt ma kilka tajemnic, którymi nie może podzielić się z obiektem swoich aktualnych erotycznych fantazji. Jedna z nich dotyczy pewnej nie dla wszystkich zrozumiałej i akceptowalnej słabości Matta, o której wie tylko Zeke – najlepszy przyjaciel i kolejny z jego sekretów. Matt jest bowiem od lat beznadziejnie zakochany w swoim heteroseksualnym kumplu. Kiedy jednak Zeke przejawia oznaki zazdrości o nowego kochanka Matta, wszystko zaczyna się zmieniać, a dotąd zamknięte drzwi do spełnienia marzeń nagle się uchylają.
„Unwrapping His Heart”, pierwszy tom świeżo powstającej serii „Hearts on the Line”, już od samego początku porusza bardzo wiele ważnych tematów, które niezaprzeczalnie stanowią główną zaletę tej powieści. A warto również zauważyć, iż autorka nierzadko ukazuje dwie strony każdego problemu, czego wręcz nie sposób nie docenić. Za jeden z w ten sposób przedstawionych i jednocześnie prawdopodobnie najistotniejszych dla głównego bohatera tematów uważam ukrywanie tego, kim jest się naprawdę. Myślę, że każdy czytelnik jest w stanie to zrozumieć i nierzadko odnieść do samego siebie, bo w końcu zawsze znajdzie się coś, co jest dla nas ważne, co jest integralną częścią nas samych, a czego niektórzy ludzie nie zrozumieją, jeśli im o tym powiemy. Właśnie z tego rodzaju przeciwnościami musi walczyć każdego dnia Matt, który wprawdzie nie dusi się z powodu swojego małego sekretu, ale też nie traktuje go obojętnie. Co jednak ważne w tym wypadku, w jego życiu jest ktoś, kto dobrze go zna i w pełni go akceptuje, a nawet zachęca do bycia sobą. Stanowi to wyraźny kontrast dla tego, z czym mężczyzna zetknął się w przeszłości, jak również dla sytuacji, w której choć Matt jest szanowany, nie jest w pełni akceptowany. Jako że chodzi o upodobania w temacie ubioru, bardzo spodobał mi się fakt, iż autorka w tym właśnie kontekście poruszyła problem równouprawnienia. W końcu nie sposób ukryć, że o ile kobiety mają pełne prawo do zakładania na siebie męskich ubrań, o tyle w drugą stronę sytuacja wygląda zgoła inaczej. Na pewno jest to problem, o którym warto mówić, w nadziei, że kiedyś ludzie to zrozumieją i coś się zmieni.
Kolejnym ważnym tematem poruszonym w powieści jest przyjaźń z jej licznymi wzlotami i upadkami. Jest to o tyle istotne, że w ogromnej części właśnie wokół niej kręci się fabuła „Unwrapping His Heart”. Ponieważ Karrie George przedstawiła Matta jako osobę otoczoną przez najróżniejszych przyjaciół, znajdujemy tu całą masę problemów z nimi związanych. Dla przykładu, pojawia się tu między innymi motyw przejścia od kochanków do przyjaciół oraz od przyjaciół do kochanków, problem rozstania kumpli, którzy do tej pory byli parą, czy też wspomniany już problem pełnej akceptacji tego kim się jest. A to zaledwie kilka większych kwestii, do których odnosi się w tej historii autorka. Co więcej, w kontekście przyjaźni Karrie George poruszyła także problem zaufania, jego budowania, odbudowywania oraz nadszarpnięcia. Zauważmy, że ten ostatni aspekt tematu autorka przedstawiła jako miecz obosieczny, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu pokazała nam w jaki sposób nawet nieświadomy brak zaufania jednej osoby może prowadzić do tego samego ze strony drugiej, po czym problem zatacza koło, co niemal nie ma końca, póki ktoś ostatecznie nie postanowi tego zatrzymać. Mając wszystko to na uwadze, przyznaję, że bardzo podoba mi się to, iż autorka przedstawiła przyjaźń, jako coś co niesie ze sobą nie tylko radość, ale i zmartwienia.
Kolejnym poważnym problem, z jakim mamy do czynienia w „Unwrapping His Heart” i jednoczesną zaletą tej powieści jest zestawienie ze sobą tematu przemocy w rodzinie wywołanej przez brak akceptacji drugiej osoby i jej seksualności, konsekwencji takiego stanu rzeczy oraz zbawiennego komfortu płynącego z bycia w pełni akceptowanym. Chociaż nie stanowi to głównego wątku książki, niewątpliwie zajmuje w niej ważne miejsce, ponieważ właśnie to ukształtowało głównego bohatera i sprawiło, że kiedy go poznajemy, znajduje się on w takim, a nie innym punkcie na osi czasu swojego życia. W dużym stopniu ma to także wpływ na rozgrywające się tu wydarzenia i wyraźniej nakreśla obraz Matta. Z drugiej strony właśnie w ten sposób autorka daje czytelnikowi nadzieję. Po pierwsze udowadnia, że nawet z beznadziejnej sytuacji można wyjść zwycięsko, jeśli tylko weźmie się sprawy w swoje ręce. Po drugie pokazuje, że o wartości człowieka stanowi to jakim jest w danej chwili, a nie to, co musiał zrobić, aby przeżyć, czy też przeszłość, która mu ciąży. Każdy ma prawo do szczęścia i miłości.
Mimo wszystkich tych zalet, powieść posiada jednak kilka wad, a jedną z nich jest chociażby to, że nasz wgląd w uczucia głównego bohatera wydaje mi się trochę ograniczony. Jak na taką ilość wylanych łez, oczekiwałabym więcej uczuciowych wynurzeń. I nie chodzi mi tu o rozmowy między Mattem, a innymi bohaterami, ale o narrację. Miejscami jest bowiem mało szczegółowa właśnie pod względem uczuciowym. Trochę więcej oczekiwałabym także po Zeke’u, który przecież dopiero odkrywa siebie, po tym, jak przez lata uważał się za osobę heteroseksualną. Kiedy ja przez to przechodziłam byłam niewiele młodsza od niego i nie mając z kim na ten temat porozmawiać przelewałam wszystko na papier, aby nie oszaleć od mnożących się w mojej głowie pytań. Właśnie dlatego wydaje mi się, że Zeke powinien jednak przejawiać trochę więcej emocji związanych z tym, co dzieje się w jego życiu. Jest jednak coś, czego w „Unwrapping His Heart” było jak dla mnie za wiele – jedzenia i picia. Czasami miałam wrażenie, że bohaterowie brną przez życie od posiłku do posiłku, od herbaty do herbaty, od kieliszka wina do kieliszka wina. W pewnym momencie pomyślałam nawet z rozbawieniem: „a mówią, że to Polacy piją dużo alkoholu”. Jak na powieść, która nie ma nic wspólnego z kuchnią, naprawdę jest tego za dużo.
Podsumowując, „Unwrapping His Heart” jest naprawdę bardzo dobrym debiutem literackim i obiecującym początkiem dobrze zapowiadającej się serii. Karrie George porusza wiele trudnych tematów bardzo ważnych nie tylko w środowisku LGBT+, ale ogólnie w życiu każdego z nas i stara się przedstawić je z wielu różnych stron. Do tego dochodzą sympatyczni bohaterowie, napięcie seksualne oraz wielka miłość. Jednym słowem, tę książkę naprawdę warto przeczytać.
Matt is an editor of a very popular magazine, who can't complain about the lack of work, and yet, as an artist, he doesn't have many opportunities to be fulfilled and his lack of faith in his own skills doesn't help. So when from one of his friends he receives a commission for a mural for a young millionaire, Matt needs some time to think it over. In the end, however, he makes the decision thanks to which Dieter – rich, extremely handsome and perfect in every possible way – appears in his life. From the very first meeting, it's impossible to hide their mutual attraction, unfortunately Matt has some secrets that he can't share with the object of his current erotic fantasies. One of them is about Matt's weakness that some people don't understand and can't accept, and only Zeke – his best friend and his other secret – knows. As the thing is that Matt has been hopelessly in love with his heterosexual friend for many years. However, when Zeke shows signs of jealousy of Matt's new lover, everything begins to change and the closed door leading to the wishes coming true starts to open.
"Unwrapping His Heart", the first volume of the newly created series "Hearts on the Line", from the very beginning raises many important topics that undoubtedly are the main advantage of this novel. And it's also worth noting that the author often shows each problem from at least two angles, which we should really appreciate. One of the themes presented in this way is hiding who we really are. In my opinion it's also the most important problem for the main character. I think that every reader should be able to understand this and often put himself/herself in Matt's place, because in the end there will always be something that is important to us, that is an integral part of our existence, and that some people won't understand if we tell them about it. With precisely this kind of hardship, Matt has to fight every day, and although his little secret doesn't suffocate him, he doesn't treat it as something unimportant. But what is important in this case, is that in his life there is someone who knows him well, fully accepts him and even encourages him to be himself. This is a clear contrast to what has happened to this man in the past, as well as to a situation in which Matt is respected, although he is not fully accepted. As it is all about preferences in the subject of clothing, I really like the fact that in this very context the author raised the problem of equality of the sexes. In the end, it is impossible not to notice that while women have the full right to wear male clothes, if we reverse the situation everything looks completely different. For sure it is a problem worth talking about, in the hope that people will understand it someday and something will change.
Friendship with its numerous ups and downs is another important subject raised in the novel. This topic is essential because in the large part the plot of "Unwrapping His Heart" revolves around it. Because Karrie George presented Matt as a person surrounded by various friends, we can find here a whole lot of problems related to them. For example, we have, among others, a theme of the transition from lovers to friends and from friends to lovers, a problem of a breakup of mates who until now have been a couple, or the already mentioned problem of full acceptance of who we are. And these are just a few of the major issues to which the author refers in this story. What's more, in the context of friendship, Karrie George also raised the problem of trust – building, rebuilding and undermining it. Note that this last aspect of the topic the author presented as a double-edged sword, because to some extent she showed us how even the unconscious lack of trust of one person can lead to the same from the other, and then the problem comes full circle, which is almost endless, until someone finally decides to stop it for good. With all this in mind, I admit that I really love the fact that the author presented friendship as something that brings not only joy but also worry.
Another serious problem presented in "Unwrapping His Heart" and at the same time another advantage of this novel is the juxtaposition of family violence caused by the lack of acceptance of the other person and his sexuality, the consequences of such a state of affairs and the salutary comfort of being fully accepted. Although this is not the main theme of the book, it undoubtedly occupies an important place in it, because that's what shaped the main character and caused that when we meet him for the first time, he is in this particular point on the timeline of his life. To a large extent it also has an impact on the events taking place in the novel and more clearly outlines Matt as a character. On the other hand, that's how the author gives the readers hope. First of all, she proves that even from a hopeless situation we can emerge victorious, if only we take matters into our own hands. Secondly, she shows that man's value is what he is at the moment, not what he must have done to survive, or the past that hunts him. Everyone has the right to be happy and loved.
Despite all these advantages, the novel has several cons, and one of them is the fact that our insight into the feelings of the main character seems to me a bit limited. As for the amount of shed tears, I would expect more emotional outpourings. And I'm not talking about conversations between Matt and other characters, but about the narrative, as sometimes it is not very detailed in terms of feelings. I also expected a little more from Zeke, who just started to discover himself, after he has considered himself heterosexual for years. When I was going through it, I was not much younger than him and having no one to talk to about it, I took some sheets of paper and I wrote everything down so that I would not go crazy from all the questions that were multiplying in my head. That's why it seems to me that Zeke should show some more emotions related to what is happening in his life. However, at least in my opinion, in "Unwrapping His Heart" we can find one subject that is too often discussed – food and drinks. Sometimes I had the impression that the characters are going through life from meal to meal, from tea to tea, from a glass of wine to a glass of wine. At one point I even thought with amusement: "and some say that Polish people drink a lot of alcohol!". For a novel that has nothing to do with cooking, there's really too much about food and drinks.
In conclusion, "Unwrapping His Heart" is a very good literary debut and a promising beginning of a really great series. Karrie George raises many difficult topics that are very important not only for the LGBT+ community, but generally for all of us, and tries to present them from many different angles. What's more, this novel has some great characters, sexual tension and big love. In short, this book is really worth reading.
________________________
Matt jest redaktorem bardzo popularnego magazynu, który na brak pracy narzekać nie może, a jednak jako artysta nie ma wielu okazji do spełnienia, w czym wcale nie pomaga mu brak wiary we własne umiejętności. Kiedy więc jeden z przyjaciół proponuje mu zaprojektowanie i wykonanie fresku dla pewnego młodego milionera, Matt nie od razu się na to zgadza. W końcu jednak podejmuje decyzję, za sprawą której w jego życiu pojawia się Dieter, bogaty, nieziemsko przystojny i pod każdym względem idealny. Już od pierwszego spotkania ich wzajemnego przyciągania nie sposób ukryć, niestety Matt ma kilka tajemnic, którymi nie może podzielić się z obiektem swoich aktualnych erotycznych fantazji. Jedna z nich dotyczy pewnej nie dla wszystkich zrozumiałej i akceptowalnej słabości Matta, o której wie tylko Zeke – najlepszy przyjaciel i kolejny z jego sekretów. Matt jest bowiem od lat beznadziejnie zakochany w swoim heteroseksualnym kumplu. Kiedy jednak Zeke przejawia oznaki zazdrości o nowego kochanka Matta, wszystko zaczyna się zmieniać, a dotąd zamknięte drzwi do spełnienia marzeń nagle się uchylają.
„Unwrapping His Heart”, pierwszy tom świeżo powstającej serii „Hearts on the Line”, już od samego początku porusza bardzo wiele ważnych tematów, które niezaprzeczalnie stanowią główną zaletę tej powieści. A warto również zauważyć, iż autorka nierzadko ukazuje dwie strony każdego problemu, czego wręcz nie sposób nie docenić. Za jeden z w ten sposób przedstawionych i jednocześnie prawdopodobnie najistotniejszych dla głównego bohatera tematów uważam ukrywanie tego, kim jest się naprawdę. Myślę, że każdy czytelnik jest w stanie to zrozumieć i nierzadko odnieść do samego siebie, bo w końcu zawsze znajdzie się coś, co jest dla nas ważne, co jest integralną częścią nas samych, a czego niektórzy ludzie nie zrozumieją, jeśli im o tym powiemy. Właśnie z tego rodzaju przeciwnościami musi walczyć każdego dnia Matt, który wprawdzie nie dusi się z powodu swojego małego sekretu, ale też nie traktuje go obojętnie. Co jednak ważne w tym wypadku, w jego życiu jest ktoś, kto dobrze go zna i w pełni go akceptuje, a nawet zachęca do bycia sobą. Stanowi to wyraźny kontrast dla tego, z czym mężczyzna zetknął się w przeszłości, jak również dla sytuacji, w której choć Matt jest szanowany, nie jest w pełni akceptowany. Jako że chodzi o upodobania w temacie ubioru, bardzo spodobał mi się fakt, iż autorka w tym właśnie kontekście poruszyła problem równouprawnienia. W końcu nie sposób ukryć, że o ile kobiety mają pełne prawo do zakładania na siebie męskich ubrań, o tyle w drugą stronę sytuacja wygląda zgoła inaczej. Na pewno jest to problem, o którym warto mówić, w nadziei, że kiedyś ludzie to zrozumieją i coś się zmieni.
Kolejnym ważnym tematem poruszonym w powieści jest przyjaźń z jej licznymi wzlotami i upadkami. Jest to o tyle istotne, że w ogromnej części właśnie wokół niej kręci się fabuła „Unwrapping His Heart”. Ponieważ Karrie George przedstawiła Matta jako osobę otoczoną przez najróżniejszych przyjaciół, znajdujemy tu całą masę problemów z nimi związanych. Dla przykładu, pojawia się tu między innymi motyw przejścia od kochanków do przyjaciół oraz od przyjaciół do kochanków, problem rozstania kumpli, którzy do tej pory byli parą, czy też wspomniany już problem pełnej akceptacji tego kim się jest. A to zaledwie kilka większych kwestii, do których odnosi się w tej historii autorka. Co więcej, w kontekście przyjaźni Karrie George poruszyła także problem zaufania, jego budowania, odbudowywania oraz nadszarpnięcia. Zauważmy, że ten ostatni aspekt tematu autorka przedstawiła jako miecz obosieczny, ponieważ w pewnym stopniu pokazała nam w jaki sposób nawet nieświadomy brak zaufania jednej osoby może prowadzić do tego samego ze strony drugiej, po czym problem zatacza koło, co niemal nie ma końca, póki ktoś ostatecznie nie postanowi tego zatrzymać. Mając wszystko to na uwadze, przyznaję, że bardzo podoba mi się to, iż autorka przedstawiła przyjaźń, jako coś co niesie ze sobą nie tylko radość, ale i zmartwienia.
Kolejnym poważnym problem, z jakim mamy do czynienia w „Unwrapping His Heart” i jednoczesną zaletą tej powieści jest zestawienie ze sobą tematu przemocy w rodzinie wywołanej przez brak akceptacji drugiej osoby i jej seksualności, konsekwencji takiego stanu rzeczy oraz zbawiennego komfortu płynącego z bycia w pełni akceptowanym. Chociaż nie stanowi to głównego wątku książki, niewątpliwie zajmuje w niej ważne miejsce, ponieważ właśnie to ukształtowało głównego bohatera i sprawiło, że kiedy go poznajemy, znajduje się on w takim, a nie innym punkcie na osi czasu swojego życia. W dużym stopniu ma to także wpływ na rozgrywające się tu wydarzenia i wyraźniej nakreśla obraz Matta. Z drugiej strony właśnie w ten sposób autorka daje czytelnikowi nadzieję. Po pierwsze udowadnia, że nawet z beznadziejnej sytuacji można wyjść zwycięsko, jeśli tylko weźmie się sprawy w swoje ręce. Po drugie pokazuje, że o wartości człowieka stanowi to jakim jest w danej chwili, a nie to, co musiał zrobić, aby przeżyć, czy też przeszłość, która mu ciąży. Każdy ma prawo do szczęścia i miłości.
Mimo wszystkich tych zalet, powieść posiada jednak kilka wad, a jedną z nich jest chociażby to, że nasz wgląd w uczucia głównego bohatera wydaje mi się trochę ograniczony. Jak na taką ilość wylanych łez, oczekiwałabym więcej uczuciowych wynurzeń. I nie chodzi mi tu o rozmowy między Mattem, a innymi bohaterami, ale o narrację. Miejscami jest bowiem mało szczegółowa właśnie pod względem uczuciowym. Trochę więcej oczekiwałabym także po Zeke’u, który przecież dopiero odkrywa siebie, po tym, jak przez lata uważał się za osobę heteroseksualną. Kiedy ja przez to przechodziłam byłam niewiele młodsza od niego i nie mając z kim na ten temat porozmawiać przelewałam wszystko na papier, aby nie oszaleć od mnożących się w mojej głowie pytań. Właśnie dlatego wydaje mi się, że Zeke powinien jednak przejawiać trochę więcej emocji związanych z tym, co dzieje się w jego życiu. Jest jednak coś, czego w „Unwrapping His Heart” było jak dla mnie za wiele – jedzenia i picia. Czasami miałam wrażenie, że bohaterowie brną przez życie od posiłku do posiłku, od herbaty do herbaty, od kieliszka wina do kieliszka wina. W pewnym momencie pomyślałam nawet z rozbawieniem: „a mówią, że to Polacy piją dużo alkoholu”. Jak na powieść, która nie ma nic wspólnego z kuchnią, naprawdę jest tego za dużo.
Podsumowując, „Unwrapping His Heart” jest naprawdę bardzo dobrym debiutem literackim i obiecującym początkiem dobrze zapowiadającej się serii. Karrie George porusza wiele trudnych tematów bardzo ważnych nie tylko w środowisku LGBT+, ale ogólnie w życiu każdego z nas i stara się przedstawić je z wielu różnych stron. Do tego dochodzą sympatyczni bohaterowie, napięcie seksualne oraz wielka miłość. Jednym słowem, tę książkę naprawdę warto przeczytać.
January 3, 2019
The Long Way Home
Matt was afraid of commitment, choosing instead a life of one-night-stands and easy sex. Little did he know that the cure for that fear had been right in front of him. Zeke didn't know what he wanted, until his own mother helped him see the light. The question is can Matt and Zeke figure out how to put it together, despite both their difficult pasts? Kerrie does a masterful job of weaving this story of best friends to lovers through trials and tribulations, resulting in a truly wonderful HEA ending. Looking forward to reading more of her work.
Matt was afraid of commitment, choosing instead a life of one-night-stands and easy sex. Little did he know that the cure for that fear had been right in front of him. Zeke didn't know what he wanted, until his own mother helped him see the light. The question is can Matt and Zeke figure out how to put it together, despite both their difficult pasts? Kerrie does a masterful job of weaving this story of best friends to lovers through trials and tribulations, resulting in a truly wonderful HEA ending. Looking forward to reading more of her work.
February 3, 2024
I enjoyed this, and am moving on to the sequel. I'm appreciating that the sequel is a continuation of these two guys' story.
December 21, 2018
The characters are instantly likeable, drawing you in to a well thought out ,intricate, interesting story. So many dimensions of each character are explored in ways that make you nod in recognition or begin to understand things about others and yourself. The romance is exquistely written, at once tender, loving ,caring, honest and hot as hell. I started reading and couldn't stop, stayed up til the early hours to finish it it gripped me so much. Can't wait for the next one to learn more about the peripheral characters.
November 1, 2023
This is one to look for if you, like me, want something different in mmromance.
Matt is an editor and artist in London with a Black, straight roommate named Zeke and a sudden opportunity to provide major art for a sexy, rich Dane named Deiter. Matt's very sexually active, but really ready for long-term love. Yet almost none of that turns into what you'd expect (except for the art): Sex comes early, hot times turn to friendship, and friends to, well, hot times, and then.... And Matt has to deal with his desire to wear "traditionally female" clothing, which Zeke understands and supports. Friends and family drop in and out, and a surprise pops up about halfway through that tosses a different kind of angst into the mix.
Vin George writes with a clean and easy style that pulls you through. This is the first of a two-book series that carries the main couple through their developing relationship. Definitely worth a read.
Matt is an editor and artist in London with a Black, straight roommate named Zeke and a sudden opportunity to provide major art for a sexy, rich Dane named Deiter. Matt's very sexually active, but really ready for long-term love. Yet almost none of that turns into what you'd expect (except for the art): Sex comes early, hot times turn to friendship, and friends to, well, hot times, and then.... And Matt has to deal with his desire to wear "traditionally female" clothing, which Zeke understands and supports. Friends and family drop in and out, and a surprise pops up about halfway through that tosses a different kind of angst into the mix.
Vin George writes with a clean and easy style that pulls you through. This is the first of a two-book series that carries the main couple through their developing relationship. Definitely worth a read.
September 13, 2022
All About the Love
Matt and Zeke’s story is all about the love. And Vin George has melted my heart with their poignant journey, in Unwrapping His Heart.
Their friendship and platonic love for each other, their fears about intimate relationships, their misunderstands as their needs become more evident- each component of their love story strengthens what might become a very special and interesting future together.
What made this book even more endearing was the cast of supporting characters. The physicality, as it is written with lust or love, is a spectacular nuance to what feels so very real. We love getting to know Matt, and watch him work out the drama in his life. We are frustrated for him, we are confused for him, we are distraught for him, and we are overjoyed for him.
Underlying all of the emotions we feel in this book, are the biggest, most important ones that we hold dear-hope and love.
Matt and Zeke’s story is all about the love. And Vin George has melted my heart with their poignant journey, in Unwrapping His Heart.
Their friendship and platonic love for each other, their fears about intimate relationships, their misunderstands as their needs become more evident- each component of their love story strengthens what might become a very special and interesting future together.
What made this book even more endearing was the cast of supporting characters. The physicality, as it is written with lust or love, is a spectacular nuance to what feels so very real. We love getting to know Matt, and watch him work out the drama in his life. We are frustrated for him, we are confused for him, we are distraught for him, and we are overjoyed for him.
Underlying all of the emotions we feel in this book, are the biggest, most important ones that we hold dear-hope and love.
July 20, 2023
UNWRAPPING HIS HEART,
TENDING HIS HEART and
HEARTS UNWRAPPED
By Vin George
ALL the 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟🌟’s!!!!! It’s so hard to review these books without blurting out spoilers! Matt and Zeke are both lovely men and I adore them. Their journey to discover love together is a beautiful thing, however there are so very many emotions evoked for me throughout. I adore Matthew and I want to Marry Dieter! (Yes, Vin, I know I have competition!) I especially appreciated how this story depicted many issues we all faced during the covid pandemic. I highly recommend you dive into these books. I will be waiting anxiously for Vin’s next book!
TENDING HIS HEART and
HEARTS UNWRAPPED
By Vin George
ALL the 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟🌟’s!!!!! It’s so hard to review these books without blurting out spoilers! Matt and Zeke are both lovely men and I adore them. Their journey to discover love together is a beautiful thing, however there are so very many emotions evoked for me throughout. I adore Matthew and I want to Marry Dieter! (Yes, Vin, I know I have competition!) I especially appreciated how this story depicted many issues we all faced during the covid pandemic. I highly recommend you dive into these books. I will be waiting anxiously for Vin’s next book!
September 19, 2024
I absolutely love Vin George's Evergreen Council books, so I had high expectations for Unwrapping His Heart. Unfortunately this story wasn't what I hoped for. There were essentially 3 MCs (Matt, Zeke, and Dieter) and none of them appealed to me. Matt was traumatized, Zeke was repressed, and Dieter was stilted. The story itself seemed to go off on unnecessary tangents and could have used better editing and focus. I do not plan to read the next book in this series, but will happily enjoy the next Evergreen Council book!
March 10, 2022
Enjoyed
I can't believe I nearly DNF this book. But with really good reviews and the interesting blurb, I knew this would be a refreshing story and I was right. The book is beautifully written with interesting characters and well developed plot that kept me turning those pages. I did find that towards the end of the book that it became a bit preachy and I flicked through a few pages. I will definitely be reading book 2 and highly recommend to friends.
I can't believe I nearly DNF this book. But with really good reviews and the interesting blurb, I knew this would be a refreshing story and I was right. The book is beautifully written with interesting characters and well developed plot that kept me turning those pages. I did find that towards the end of the book that it became a bit preachy and I flicked through a few pages. I will definitely be reading book 2 and highly recommend to friends.
February 5, 2023
→ Sexual Discovery
→ BIPOC MC
→ Friends to Lovers
This was my first read by Vin George and I don’t have many complaints.
A few trigger warnings would have been nice like dealing with A family member recovering from addiction appearing. The story was mostly low angst, with Matt and Zeke flopping back and forth with feelings cause that’s just what happens in life sometimes.
I would read the next book, I did like Matt and Zeke.
→ BIPOC MC
→ Friends to Lovers
This was my first read by Vin George and I don’t have many complaints.
A few trigger warnings would have been nice like dealing with A family member recovering from addiction appearing. The story was mostly low angst, with Matt and Zeke flopping back and forth with feelings cause that’s just what happens in life sometimes.
I would read the next book, I did like Matt and Zeke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
An excellent, realistic romance.
This book has all the feels. Two best friends who adore each other falling in love, realizing how deep it is, and working to maintain it, inspite external conflicts. I love how the author peopled his story with amazing supporting characters. I don't do spoilers. I do day when the writing is excellent, the story gripping. I read it in a single day. I couldn’t put it down.Off to buy book 2. Buy it. It's awesome.
This book has all the feels. Two best friends who adore each other falling in love, realizing how deep it is, and working to maintain it, inspite external conflicts. I love how the author peopled his story with amazing supporting characters. I don't do spoilers. I do day when the writing is excellent, the story gripping. I read it in a single day. I couldn’t put it down.Off to buy book 2. Buy it. It's awesome.
February 22, 2024
A really good story that drew me in and was hard to put down. I kind of forgot what was in the blurb and initially was a little confused about who the MCs were, only because of the intensity of the relationship between Matt and Dieter. I loved that Dieter was such a good friend. He probably needed to come along for Matt to work things out with Zeke. Hope he gets his own story. Enjoyed this a lot and how Matt and Zeke eventually communicate and find their way to an HEA.
July 27, 2022
Slow burn with the couple as friends was their base relationship.
Our couple goes through a few hiccups but because they are friends too with time the communication they need settles things down. What I love so much is that this couple and their relationship with each other and friends etc is very real and relatable.
This story had all the things- fun, steamy, angsty and truly heartfelt!
Our couple goes through a few hiccups but because they are friends too with time the communication they need settles things down. What I love so much is that this couple and their relationship with each other and friends etc is very real and relatable.
This story had all the things- fun, steamy, angsty and truly heartfelt!
October 10, 2022
As a transman, bisexual, neurodivergent person, I feel confident saying if you want a gorgeous healthy, sensitively written, sexy as hell and deeply affirming love story thats moving, heartwarming and all while remaining fun and easy to read, this is the book for you, yours friends, your family, your family's friends ... Well you get the idea. Read it, your heart will thank you 😁
March 10, 2023
3 and a half stars for the writing, because that is great, but jfc matt has to be the most unlikeable character of all time. I wanted him to end up alone and sad and regretting all his incredibly bad, self absorbed, choices. I don't want matt to have a happily ever after, I want zeke to find himself a decent man who can communicate.
March 28, 2023
I absolutely love Vin George's writing, and Unwrapping his heart was everything I expected it to be. Slowburning love between characters that got unwrapped chapter by chapter. After reading Vin's paranormal masterpiece I was thrilled that he effortlessly pulled off contemporary storytelling with the same flair. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2024
Straight or not?
Everyone believes school teacher Zeke is as straight as they come. Even his very gay very femme flatmate and best mate Matt.
But that doesn't stop Matt loving him with every ounce of his gay being.
Matt knows Zeke loves him as a friend but can there ever be anything more.
Very emotional story and tears were she'd.
Everyone believes school teacher Zeke is as straight as they come. Even his very gay very femme flatmate and best mate Matt.
But that doesn't stop Matt loving him with every ounce of his gay being.
Matt knows Zeke loves him as a friend but can there ever be anything more.
Very emotional story and tears were she'd.
December 15, 2019
3.5
Good read, especially for a debut. Awfully long and did drag just a bit. I think it tried to be too many things/include too many tropes at once. Information and dialogue with secondary characters felt like I’d missed a previous story. Interesting enough overall.
Good read, especially for a debut. Awfully long and did drag just a bit. I think it tried to be too many things/include too many tropes at once. Information and dialogue with secondary characters felt like I’d missed a previous story. Interesting enough overall.
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